Online Safety stories

Optus offers new and existing mobile customers a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro, an AI search valued at AUD $300, enhancing access to AI tools.

KnowBe4 offers five key cybersecurity tips this June for National Internet Safety Month to help individuals and organisations boost online security.

Fortinet has launched a free digital safety curriculum for all Australian schools, aiming to boost cyber resilience among students and educators nationwide.

Palo Alto Networks partners with Quitch to launch free, interactive cybersecurity training on a gamified platform using spaced repetition learning techniques.

An Infoblox investigation exposes how recruitment scams on Telegram target Australians with fake jobs, demanding crypto payments to continue employment.

Carnival Internet UK launches full-fibre broadband with fair pricing, eco initiatives, and charity donations to tackle digital poverty and loyalty tax practices.

Norton highlights the rising digital risks teens face, urging parents to use controls and communication for safer online experiences amid Netflix's Adolescence series.

Half of New Zealanders feel overwhelmed by digital notifications, with social media and emails disrupting wellbeing and productivity, finds 2degrees research.

Google blocked over 5.1bn ads and suspended 39.2m accounts in 2024, using AI advancements to combat ad scams and protect consumers.

Melbourne's ShareRing has joined an AUD $6.5 million government trial to improve age verification for under-16s on social media, using innovative digital ID technology.

Meta has announced expanded safety features for its Teen Accounts, enhancing privacy and parental controls for users under 16 amidst growing online safety concerns.

Bitdefender reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime targeting social media influencers, uncovering over 9,000 malicious livestreams on YouTube in 2024.

Revolut's latest report reveals Meta platforms are the primary source of scams affecting consumers, with reported cases rising significantly in Australia and globally.

Cyberattacks on Australian local councils are surging, with under half providing essential cybersecurity training, leaving systems vulnerable to breaches.

Sextortion scams are surging globally, with New Zealand reporting a staggering 137% increase in 2025, driven by AI and recent data breaches.

As the Online Safety Act launches, UK tech firms must comply with Ofcom's new regulations, aiming to create safer digital spaces by removing illegal content.

A new study by InternetNZ reveals half of New Zealanders now spend four or more hours online daily, with significant usage noted among younger adults.

Microsoft has revealed a phishing scam targeting hotel owners on Booking.com, warning the tourism sector of rising cyber threats and significant financial risks.

ExpressVPN has teamed up with Booking.com for Business to enhance digital security for business travellers, offering 4 months free on a 12-month subscription.

In 2024, Kaspersky blocked over 893 million phishing attempts, a 26% rise from 2023, as cybercriminals exploited trusted brand names to deceive users.