Cyber attacks: Australia the sixth most targeted country in world
Australia is one of the world's most hacked countries, according to recently released data.
The data was compiled by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and shows Australia coming in at equal sixth place, with 16 major cyber attacks in the period between May 2006 and June 2020.
Australia's most recent attack was just last month, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that government agencies and essential businesses had been targeted by a large-scale operation stealing people's personal information.
Australia is one of the world's most hacked countries, according to recently released data. Getty Images/Cultura RF
The Ukraine tied in sixth place with Australia, followed closely by China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, all with 15 attacks in the same period.
The US came in first place with a whopping 156 major cyber attacks during the same period, followed by the UK in second place with 47 attacks, India in third with 23 attacks, Germany with 21 and South Korea with 18 attacks, as reported by Specops.
The data revealed Australian mining companies, defence contractors and government agencies are popular targets for hacking.
Last month, the Federal Government announced a $1.35 billion boost to cyber security after the latest attack which saw government and private sector networks crippled.
The Coalition plans to put the funds towards disrupting offshore cyber crime, improving intelligence sharing between government and industry, building better technology and increasing the cyber warrior workforce by 500 members.
READ MORE: Three steps Australians need to take to protect themselves against cyber attacks
Tim Hamer / 9News
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $1.35 billion boost to cyber security after the latest attack which saw government and private sector networks crippled. Sydney Morning Herald
"(The funding will) ensure that we've got the people, we've got the technology, we've got the research and we've got the platforms to be able to combat these very serious and growing threats," Mr Morrison said earlier this month.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the funds are part of a $15 billion boost that will help to tackle threats beyond theft and espionage to include aspects of cyber warfare that could disable Australia's electricity grids and air traffic control systems.
"There are many malicious cyber actors active globally and here in Australia," she said.
"This is part of a much larger investment in defence, cyber and information warfare – a $15 billion package."
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