IT Brief Australia - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers
Australia
Australian Edition · 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Malware

A curated Australian edition of TechDay news, analysis, interviews, reviews, job moves, and related resources for Malware.

What to know about Malware

Malware represents a broad category of malicious software designed to infiltrate, damage, or disrupt computer systems and networks. From ransomware that locks users out of their data to spyware that quietly steals information, malware continues to evolve in sophistication and reach. Our recent stories cover a wide range of malware threats impacting individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure, illustrating the diverse strategies cybercriminals use to exploit vulnerabilities.

Delving into these stories provides readers with insights into how malware campaigns operate, the latest trends in attack vectors, and expert advice on defense mechanisms. Understanding malware not only alerts individuals and organisations to potential risks but also guides them in strengthening their digital security posture. Stay informed about the ever-changing malware landscape to better safeguard your data and systems from emerging cyber threats.

Australian Malware News

Regional stories with direct local relevance

Analyst Insights

Research and market analysis connected to Malware

Expert Columns

Interviews

Interviews and video coverage from the network

Recent Malware News

AI arms race to reshape Australia's cyber defences by 2026
Elections

AI arms race to reshape Australia's cyber defences by 2026

AI-powered attacks and defences, quantum threats and smart city risks are set to transform Australia's cyber security landscape by 2026.

Wed, 21st Jan 2026

Swoop to host Quad9 DNS hubs, restoring local security
Network Infrastructure

Swoop to host Quad9 DNS hubs, restoring local security

Swoop is hosting Quad9's DNS hubs across five Australian cities, restoring onshore security and performance after traffic was sent offshore.

Thu, 15th Jan 2026

Australian, global agencies cripple major cybercrime malware tools
Ransomware

Australian, global agencies cripple major cybercrime malware tools

Australian and global law enforcement, aided by Proofpoint, have disrupted Rhadamanthys and VenomRAT malware families used in cyberattacks worldwide, including in Australia.

Wed, 19th Nov 2025

2026: The Year an Individual Operates Like a Nation-State
Ransomware

2026: The Year an Individual Operates Like a Nation-State

By 2026, AI will empower individuals with hacker tools rivaling nation-states, radically transforming cyber threats and defences worldwide.

Tue, 18th Nov 2025

Average ransomware payments in Australia halve to AUD $711,000
Advanced Persistent Threat Protection

Average ransomware payments in Australia halve to AUD $711,000

Average ransomware payments in Australia have halved to AUD $711,000 as businesses become more prepared and less willing to pay ransoms after attacks.

Fri, 14th Nov 2025

Exclusive: Google on AI-powered attacks & cyber threats in Australia
Threat intelligence

Exclusive: Google on AI-powered attacks & cyber threats in Australia

AI-driven cyber threats are escalating in Australia, with criminals deploying deepfakes and malware that evolves to bypass security, warns Google's Andrew Aston.

Mon, 10th Nov 2025

Australia ranks high in cyberattacks as AI fuels new risks
Education, Learning & Training

Australia ranks high in cyberattacks as AI fuels new risks

Australia ranks tenth globally for cyberattack frequency, with AI fueling a rise in ransomware and extortion, Microsoft reports in its 2025 Digital Defence Review.

Fri, 17th Oct 2025

AI-driven cyberattacks surge, targeting Australian organisations
Advanced Persistent Threat Protection

AI-driven cyberattacks surge, targeting Australian organisations

AI-driven cyberattacks have surged in Australia, targeting major firms like Qantas and CommBank as attackers exploit browser flaws and stolen credentials.

Thu, 9th Oct 2025

Australian businesses overestimate cyber recovery as losses soar
Disaster Recovery

Australian businesses overestimate cyber recovery as losses soar

A survey reveals Australian businesses greatly overestimate cyber recovery abilities, facing frequent attacks and costly downtime amid rising AI-related risks.

Wed, 8th Oct 2025

Australian SMEs urged to bolster cyber defences as attacks surge
Data Protection

Australian SMEs urged to bolster cyber defences as attacks surge

As cyberattacks rise, Australian SMEs urged to boost defences with staff training and multi-factor authentication during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Wed, 1st Oct 2025

Microsoft disrupts RaccoonO365 phishing operation targeting 365 users
Ransomware

Microsoft disrupts RaccoonO365 phishing operation targeting 365 users

Microsoft has seized 338 websites linked to RaccoonO365, disrupting a phishing service that stole 5,000 Microsoft 365 credentials across 94 countries.

Wed, 17th Sep 2025

Agentic AI reshapes banking security, raising efficiency & risks
Cloud Storage

Agentic AI reshapes banking security, raising efficiency & risks

Agentic AI is transforming Australian banking security, boosting efficiency but raising risks as cybercriminals exploit AI in 80% of ransomware attacks.

Wed, 17th Sep 2025

Australian firms face 5,000 malware attacks in August 2025
Network Security

Australian firms face 5,000 malware attacks in August 2025

Australian firms faced over 5,000 malware attacks and 65,000 network attacks in August 2025, with threats largely consisting of known malware types, WatchGuard reveals.

Thu, 4th Sep 2025

Australian AI use & phishing risks surge as data leaks climb
Cloud Storage

Australian AI use & phishing risks surge as data leaks climb

Australian research reveals a 140% rise in phishing clicks and growing use of generative AI apps, raising significant workplace data security risks.

Tue, 2nd Sep 2025

Australians face surge in fake Booking.com scam attacks, experts warn
Online security

Australians face surge in fake Booking.com scam attacks, experts warn

Australians face rising threats from fake Booking.com sites that install malware via deceptive cookie banners, warns cybersecurity expert Mark Graham.

Tue, 26th Aug 2025

Proofpoint warns AI scams are rising as attacks target people
Online Safety

Proofpoint warns AI scams are rising as attacks target people

Proofpoint warns AI-powered scams are rising, targeting people with malicious links across email and messaging, urging a human-centred defence approach.

Mon, 25th Aug 2025

ANZ firms face rising repeat ransomware attacks & executive threats
Ransomware

ANZ firms face rising repeat ransomware attacks & executive threats

Ransomware attacks in Australia and New Zealand have surged, with one in three incidents repeated and executives facing rising physical threats, warns new report.

Mon, 11th Aug 2025

Australian firms face surge in AI cyber threats amid skill gaps
Breach Prevention

Australian firms face surge in AI cyber threats amid skill gaps

Australian firms report a sharp rise in AI-powered cyber attacks, with over half facing more complex threats amid cybersecurity skill shortages and limited budgets.

Tue, 24th Jun 2025

Australia faces surge in AI-powered cyber threats & espionage
Incident Response

Australia faces surge in AI-powered cyber threats & espionage

Australia faces a rise in AI-driven cyber threats and state-sponsored espionage, calling for stronger defences and intelligence-led cybersecurity strategies.

Fri, 20th Jun 2025

Australia faces mounting cyber threats to vital infrastructure
Australian Government

Australia faces mounting cyber threats to vital infrastructure

Australia faces a growing threat from state-backed cyber espionage targeting critical infrastructure, risking disruptions to power, water, and healthcare services.

Tue, 20th May 2025