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Amid more than 30 per cent of Australians having been exposed to data breaches in the last year, social media companies remain the least trusted institution for data security at a rating of 2.94 out of 10.
According to a recent Australian National University survey, 6.4 million Australians have experienced data breaches, including 41.5% of people in the 25–34 age group.
There has also been a sharp decline in public trust in some institutions to protect data privacy, with the public giving telecommunications a mere 4.08 out of 10 for protecting personal data.
Citizens are becoming more eager to take action as evidenced by the survey’s finding that 96% of Australian adults favor government sanctions against firms when violations occur.
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Large-scale data breaches against Optus and Medibank are what prompted the poll
In the previous three weeks, there was also an effort to breach the database of wedding celebrants.
The system was swiftly patched, and no data was stolen.
Michael Harrison from the attorney-general’s department said, “We followed our routine incident response processes … and had that particular incident addressed with 48 hours.”
Nicholas Biddle, a co-author of the ANU report, claimed that cyberattacks were swiftly rising to the top of the list of crimes committed in Australia.
Read also: Australia to assemble world’s cyber chiefs for tech security (commsroom.co)
Biddle said, “In comparison our survey found only 11.2 per cent of Australians had been the victim of serious crimes like burglary or assault in the last five years.”
He stressed that data breaches are a serious issue that needs serious attention as the world becomes more dominated by data.
According to Biddle, people want to see governments take more action to safeguard consumers and hold firms accountable.
“Breaches like the Optus breach clearly impact on trust in the whole system of data governance, and Australians are crying out for stronger regulation and better protection,” he said.
The maximum fine for businesses responsible for data breaches has been raised from $2.2 million to at least $50 million as a result of new rules that the government passed last month.
Using ransomware should carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence, while attacks on essential infrastructure should carry a 25-year prison term, according to Opposition home affairs spokeswoman Karen Andrews.
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
