Menu Close

Articles on Cybercrime

Displaying 81 - 100 of 258 articles

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly complex, as hackers find creative ways to beat ordinary systems of defence. christiaancolen/flickr

Hackers are now targeting councils and governments, threatening to leak citizen data

A recent leakware attack targeting Johannesburg was the second of its kind ever recorded. Hackers demanded A$52,663 worth of bitcoins, in return for not releasing senstivie civilian information.
As our worlds are become increasingly digitised, we’re starting to rely more on machines and devices for everyday tasks. But in an age when even pacemakers can be hacked, how do we know when and who to trust? SHUTTERSTOCK

Would you notice if your calculator was lying to you? The research says probably not

Research shows we’re pretty gullible as it is. And our increasing reliance on machines for completing everyday tasks makes us all-the-more vulnerable to being exploited.
Digital attacks can cause havoc in different places all at the same time. Pushish Images/Shutterstock.com

A cyberattack could wreak destruction comparable to a nuclear weapon

Nuclear threats are serious – but officials, the media and the public keep a close eye on them. There’s less attention to the dangers of cyberattacks, which could cripple key utilities.
It’s been reported that names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, personal email addresses and emergency contact details, tax file numbers, payroll information, bank account details, passport details and student academic records were accessed. www.shutterstock.com

19 years of personal data was stolen from ANU. It could show up on the dark web

The worst-case scenario is that hackers still have access to the university systems via a backdoor and are siphoning off critical data as it emerges.
Biometrics like retinal scans is a new frontier in the privacy wars. Reuters/Mike Blake

Congress is considering privacy legislation – be afraid

States like California have been at the forefront of privacy innovation in recent decades. A possible federal law could bring their experimentation to a halt, harming consumers.
Cybersecurity professionals work in software development, network testing, incident response and policy development. Shutterstock

What skills does a cybersecurity professional need?

Cybersecurity professionals are often portrayed as lone hackers in hoodies. But as well as technical skills, they also need to be excellent communicators and have a high degree of personal integrity.
Cryptocurrencies even have their own investment companies. Reuters/Simon Walker

Cryptocurrencies, blockchains and their dark side: 4 essential reads

Bitcoin and other digital currencies have been running wild in recent years, soaring and then plunging in value. A few stories from The Conversation’s archive offer a glimpse into their world.

Top contributors

More