Cyber Security

Every time you post, shop, or sign up online, you share a bit of yourself. Over time, that trail of data — your birthday, address, even your pet’s name — builds a digital picture. Scammers love that picture because it helps them guess passwords, target scams, or even open fake accounts in your name.

Remember when doing the shopping meant a trip into town, queuing at the checkout, and lugging bags back to the car? These days, you can buy almost anything from the comfort of your favourite armchair — from groceries and gardening supplies to gifts for the grandkids. It's marvellous, really. A few clicks on your computer or tablet, and it arrives at your doorstep.

In these modern times, online shopping and banking are part of everyday life. We shop for groceries, clothing and goods online. We pay our bills online. We conduct our banking online. But not every website is what it seems. Scammers build fake shops that look real — complete with professional logos and “limited-time” deals. You might think you’re buying a gift, but what you’re really doing is handing over your credit card to a stranger.

Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has become the latest target of cybercriminals, and experts warn that millions of customers could now be at risk of phishing and scam attacks. While Qantas has assured customers that passwords, credit-card details, and passports were not included in the compromised files, the leaked data does include names, phone numbers, emails, birthdates, and frequent-flyer numbers - more than enough to fuel an onslaught of phishing, identity-theft, a

We’ve all seen those little puzzles online that ask you to click on traffic lights or confirm you’re “not a robot.” They’re meant to keep websites safe — but scammers have found a way to turn them into traps. This week, cybersecurity researchers uncovered a wave of fake CAPTCHA screens appearing on everyday websites, tricking people into downloading malware disguised as harmless updates. It’s a clever twist on a familiar idea, and it’s catching many users off guard.

Even the biggest names in technology can slip up, and this week’s headlines prove it. Oracle released an emergency fix after hackers found a way to exploit one of its business systems. Researchers uncovered a new cloud vulnerability that could, in rare cases, allow data to leak between shared servers. And Microsoft quietly announced a change to Outlook, disabling a type of image file that cybercriminals were using in phishing scams. It’s a busy week in cybersecurity -

If you’ve ever worried about hackers sneaking into your phone or computer, this week’s tech news proves why a little caution can make a big difference. Between fake WhatsApp updates, sneaky Android spy apps, and deepfake videos appearing on jailbroken iPhones, cybercriminals are finding creative new ways to reach unsuspecting users. The good news is that staying safe isn’t complicated — it just takes awareness and a few smart habits.