auDA’s latest report shows cybercrime worries are rising, yet small business preparedness continues to decline, exposing a growing digital risk.
The research, now in its fifth year, reveals that the majority of Australians (83 per cent) believe cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, leading many (67 per cent) to avoid certain online activities to protect themselves from online harm. Despite this broad community concern, fewer than a quarter of small businesses (20 per cent) have a cyber security policy or offer cyber security training to staff – a decrease since the research’s inception in 2021.
The report also shows the rising cost of living is shaping online behaviour. Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of Australians are using the internet to identify savings, while nearly a quarter (22 per cent) have created or expanded a “side hustle” for additional income. Of those side hustles, 83 per cent rely on the internet.
Informed by a survey of 2,000 consumers and 400 small businesses, auDA’s Digital Lives research offers deep insights into Australians’ views on and experiences with critical digital issues including cyber security, digital skills, digital identity (Digital ID) and artificial intelligence (AI).
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Key findings include:
Small business cyber readiness lags
- One-fifth of small businesses spend nothing on cyber security
- Business size matters when it comes to cyber security – only 44 per cent of sole traders have at least one cyber security practice in place (compared to 89 per cent of small and 87 per cent of micro businesses).
Gender gap in tech career ambitions
- Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of women believe they don’t have the technical skills required for a career in IT and technology, compared to just 54 per cent of men.
Majority now use AI yet caution remains
- Most Australians are now using AI (56 per cent, up from 45 per cent in 2024) and young men (18 to 34 years) are the biggest users (79 per cent)
- The main use for AI is to find answers to search queries (30 per cent) and solve problems (18 per cent)
- Despite this, 70 per cent want control over how their data is used to train AI and 64 per cent want stronger regulatory safeguards for AI.
Low understanding of Digital ID is limiting adoption
- 34 per cent of Australians report having a Digital ID, much lower than government estimates, suggesting there is confusion about Digital IDs.
auDA CEO Bruce Tonkin said, “auDA’s Digital Lives of Australians report provides essential insights for industry, policymakers and educators to better understand the online behaviours and attitudes of Australian consumers and small businesses.”
“Unlocking the internet’s full potential and boosting digital skills for all Australians requires a concerted effort to build digital trust – a core focus for auDA. We believe that better collaboration between government, industry, academia and civil society will enhance the internet’s utility and uplift the value it provides to all.”
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
