A major new government report has found nearly half of Australian internet users were victims of cybercrime in the past year, underscoring the ongoing need to continue to work together to strengthen the nation's cyber defences.
The Cybercrime in Australia: 2024 report, released today by the Australian Institute of Criminology, reveals that 47% of Australians experienced at least one form of cybercrime in the past 12 months - with online abuse, identity theft, malware, and scams among the most common.
The report highlights:
- 26.8% experienced online abuse or harassment
- 21.9% were victims of identity crime
- 20.6% encountered malware attacks
- 9.5% fell victim to fraud or scams.
Vulnerable groups included young people, First Nations Australians, LGBTQIA+ communities and people with disabilities. Small and medium business owners also faced disproportionate risks.
While some types of cybercrime declined compared with 2023, the report found protective behaviours - such as using strong passwords and security updates - remain worryingly low.
The report demonstrates the ongoing importance of the Act Now. Stay Secure cyber security awareness campaign, which provides Australians with the knowledge and confidence needed to safely embrace digital technologies and the opportunities they offer.
The full report is available on the AIC website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Tony Burke
"Keeping Australians safe online is a national priority - and this research helps ensure our response is evidence-based, targeted, and effective.
"Remember these three simple steps to stay safe online - always install the latest software updates, use unique passphrases, and enable multifactor authentication wherever it's available."
The Australian Institute of Criminology
The AIC is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.
