IT Brief New Zealand - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers

Cybercrime stories

Any use of network connected electronic devices such as computers or smartphones for criminal activity is classified as cybercrime. With a long history starting with the misuse of telephone systems (such as ‘phreaking’), cybercrime today includes the creation and distribution of viruses, ransomware, keyloggers and other malware, the download and use of malware produced by others, social engineering tactics such as phishing or (physical) impersonation, the theft and use of credentials for accessing computer systems or networks, and the theft of privileged data. Cybercrime is a broad and dynamic field, with cybercriminals constantly adapting their methods in pursuit of usually financial goals, but also occasionally seeking to disrupt, embarrass or shame their targets.
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HP predicts surge in AI-driven cyber threats & cookie theft by 2026

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cybercrime
HP warns of rising AI-driven cyber threats by 2026, including increased cookie theft and attacks on device and identity security in organisations.
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Asahi delays results as ransomware attack disrupts operations

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cybercrime
Japanese brewer Asahi delays its 2025 financial results due to ongoing disruptions from a ransomware attack affecting systems across East Asia.
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Cyber-extortion incidents surge as criminals target small firms

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cybercrime
Cyber-extortion incidents rose 44.5% to 19,000 victims, with small firms targeted most amid a fragmented, global cybercrime landscape, warns Orange Cyberdefense.
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Group-IB launches secure platform to combat GBP £600m UK fraud

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cybercrime
Group-IB has launched a Cyber Fraud Intelligence Platform to help UK banks tackle GBP £600m fraud by securely sharing real-time risk signals while ensuring data privacy.
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AI-driven scams to surge, warns Trend Micro in new forecast

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cybercrime
Trend Micro warns AI-driven scams will surge by 2026, using deepfakes and multi-channel tactics to trap victims in sophisticated frauds globally.
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Attackers exploit ScreenConnect & Microsoft 365 for breaches

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cybercrime
Attackers exploit unpatched ScreenConnect and Microsoft 365 credentials for unauthorised network access, raising breach risks for organisations worldwide.
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Exclusive: Check Point warns SMEs on rising cyber risk

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cybercrime
Australian firms face a rising cyber threat as AI and expanding digital footprints fuel ransomware attacks, with risks expected to surge up to 40% in 2024.
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Exclusive: Cohesity's James Blake warns on rising ransomware risks

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cybercrime
Ransomware attacks cost Australian organisations AUD $42 billion annually, urging a shift from prevention to pragmatic cyber resilience amid rising threats.
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DDoS attacks on AI firms surge 347% amid rising public scrutiny

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cybercrime
DDoS attacks targeting AI firms surged 347% in Sept 2025 amid rising public scrutiny and regulatory concerns in the UK.
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Norton launches Neo browser to boost AI-era online security

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cybercrime
Norton has launched Neo, a free AI-native browser offering enhanced privacy and security against rising AI-driven online threats, now available worldwide.
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Agentic AI, quantum risks & evolving threats to define 2026

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cybercrime
KnowBe4 predicts agentic AI, quantum computing, and cybercrime evolution will reshape global cybersecurity and workforce practices in 2026.
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Norton launches Neo AI browser with expanded privacy features

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cybercrime
Norton has launched Neo, an AI-native browser with strong privacy and security features, now freely available on MacOS and Windows worldwide including New Zealand.
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New Zealand urged to boost cyber security as threats diversify

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cybercrime
New Zealand organisations face growing cyber threats from state actors and criminals, urged to strengthen defences as attacks target all sizes and sectors.
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Black Friday: shoppers & retailers face rising cyber threats

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cybercrime
Around 60% of UK adults plan to shop this Black Friday, as retailers brace for rising cybercrime targeting fast-paced online sales and AI-driven bots.
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Black Friday shoppers & retailers face surge in cyber threats

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cybercrime
UK shoppers and retailers brace for a spike in cyberattacks this Black Friday as criminals exploit rising online spending with advanced scams.
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Australian insurers lag global peers as AI & cyber risks surge

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cybercrime
Australian insurers trail global peers by 6.6% in risk preparedness, struggling with AI, cyber threats and rising political pressures, PwC Australia warns.
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PureVPN launches all-in-one mobile app to combat alert fatigue

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cybercrime
PureVPN launches a unified mobile app combining VPN, Password Manager, and more to reduce alert fatigue.
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Australian retailers face holiday surge in cyber scams & threats

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cybercrime
Australian retailers brace for a spike in cyber scams and sophisticated attacks exploiting the busy holiday shopping season, warns cybersecurity experts.
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Fraud losses top GBP £1.17 billion as Black Friday scams surge

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cybercrime
Fraud losses in the UK surged to GBP £1.17 billion in 2024, with Black Friday scams and unauthorised card fraud sharply increasing online threats.
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Australian retailers face rising cyber threats as Black Friday nears

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cybercrime
Australian retailers face rising cyber threats ahead of Black Friday, with fraud and losses surging as online shopping peaks during the holiday sales period.