Analysis from an Australian National University poll has found that over 30 per cent of Australians have been exposed to data breaches in the last year as cyber attacks continue to spike across the country. 

The poll found that 6.4 million adults have been victims of data breaches in the last year, with 41.5 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 being most likely to fall victim to data breaches. 

Study co-author Professor Nicholas Biddle from the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods said the survey’s findings show that cyber attacks were one of the fastest-growing types of crime Australians are now facing. 

“As our lives become more and more dominated by data, so too does our exposure to data-related crime. This is a serious issue that needs serious attention,” Professor Biddle said. 

Findings of the survey follow significant and high-profile cyber attacks across Australia in recent months. 

The increase in data breaches across critical infrastructure has generated an appetite for action among citizens.  

The survey found that trust in key institutions with regard to data privacy declined in the last two months. This loss of trust is particularly prominent in telecommunication companies. 

It was also found that 96 per cent of Australian adults want companies to be sanctioned when data breaches happen and that many thought that governments should intervene when it came to data management. 

“And 92.8 per cent of Australian adults think government regulation of new technologies is crucial for consumer protection. At the same time, 90.6 per cent think the government should regulate companies’ use of data,” Professor Biddle said. 

“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.” 

The federal government introduced new laws last month to increase fines for companies involved in data breaches, with the maximum fine raised from $2.2 million to at least $50m. 

Opposition home affairs spokeswoman Karen Andrews wants those who use ransomware to face a maximum of 10 years in prison, while people targeting critical infrastructure could be sentenced to 25 years behind bars. 

With AAP

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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