Cybersecurity has become an increasingly pressing issue worldwide, including in Australia. With the rapid digital transformation, threats to critical infrastructure, personal data, and business systems continue to rise.
From 2023 to 2025, cyberattacks in Australia experienced a surge, with more incidents being reported and attack techniques becoming more complex and sophisticated. This article will discuss the cybersecurity trends in Australia from 2023 to 2025, the dominant types of attacks, the industries most affected, as well as the mitigation steps that need to be implemented. Additionally, this article will explore applications that can be used to counter these threats.
Cyberattack Data in Australia (2023-2025)
Based on ANP Technology data collected from various sources, cyberattacks in Australia have shown a significant upward trend over the past three years. Below is a summary of the cyber incidents that occurred in Australia during this period:
| Year | Number of Incidents / Notifications | Main Affected Industries / Sectors | Dominant Attack Types | Example Brands / Organizations Affected |
| 2023 | 893 data breaches reported | Healthcare, Government, Critical Infrastructure | Phishing, Social Engineering, Organized Infiltration | Not specified |
| 2024 | 1,113 data breaches reported (up ~25% from 2023) | Government, Finance, Telecommunications, Infrastructure | Malware/Ransomware (~46%), Data Breach (~12%) | – |
| 2025 | >1,200 cyber incidents addressed | Aviation, Infrastructure, SMEs, Finance | Social Engineering/Vishing (AI-driven), Credential Stuffing, Ransomware | Qantas Airways (6 million customers affected) |
Dominant Types of Attacks
Below are the most common types of cyberattacks that have been observed from 2023 to 2025:
| Attack Type | Description | Target Industries | Example Cases |
| Ransomware / Malware | Malicious software designed to lock or damage data, often for ransom. | Healthcare, Finance, Telecommunications | Qantas Airways data breach, multiple healthcare system disruptions. |
| Phishing / Social Engineering | Fraudulent attempts to access sensitive data by tricking individuals. | Government, Corporate, Financial | Increase in vishing using AI-driven voice imitation. |
| Credential Stuffing | Automated attacks using stolen login credentials to gain unauthorized access. | Finance, E-commerce, Telecom | Australian Super pension fund attack in 2024. |
| Critical Infrastructure Attacks | Targeting of essential services like energy, water, transportation. | Energy, Water, Transportation | State-sponsored attacks targeting Australia’s power grids. |
- Malware and Ransomware
Ransomware and malware have become the dominant types of cyberattacks in Australia, especially in 2024 and 2025. These attacks often cause significant damage to company data, leading to high recovery costs. In 2024, around 46% of confirmed incidents were related to malware and ransomware attacks.
- Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing techniques using more advanced social engineering tactics became increasingly common in 2025. Phishing often serves as the entry point for larger attacks, such as identity theft or infiltration of company systems. Social engineering-based attacks typically target employees with psychological manipulation techniques to disclose sensitive information.
- Credential Stuffing
In 2025, attacks using credential stuffing (where attackers use leaked login data to access other accounts) saw a rise. Many financial institutions and companies became prime targets for this attack, with customer and employee data being easily exposed.
Read More: Data Breaches in Australia: A Case Study and Cybersecurity Solutions for Corporations in 2025
Most Affected Industries
Cyberattacks in Australia do not target just one sector; instead, they focus on several key industries that hold sensitive data and critical infrastructure. The sectors most affected include:
- Aviation
Qantas Airways, one of the largest airlines in Australia, became the victim of a major cyberattack in 2025. Personal data from around 6 million customers was compromised, including names, emails, phone numbers, and other information. This event highlights the vulnerability of the aviation sector to cyberattacks that threaten both customer data and corporate reputation.
- Finance
The financial sector, including pension funds and banks, also became a major target for cyberattacks. AustralianSuper and several other pension funds experienced credential stuffing attacks in 2024, which led to significant losses for their customers. This attack underscores the importance of robust security systems in the financial sector to protect customer data and assets.
- Government and Critical Infrastructure
Australia’s critical infrastructure, including energy, water, and transportation, has often been targeted by cyberattacks believed to be carried out by state actors. Attacks on this sector can disrupt public services and destabilize the country. The Australian government and related agencies continue to work on strengthening security in this area.
- SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)
While often considered smaller targets, SMEs in Australia have also seen an increase in cyberattacks. Many SMEs lack the resources to implement adequate security systems, making them vulnerable to phishing and ransomware attacks.
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