In 2022 alone, multiple Australians were hacked and their personal information was stolen. The hackers then used this information to commit identity theft and other crimes. The victims were left feeling violated and helpless. They had to deal with the fallout of the hacking, which included cancelling credit cards, changing passwords, and dealing with fraudulent charges. One example of this was ealier this year when a group of Chinese hackers attacked in retaliation for Australia‘s decision to ban Huawei from its 5G network. The hackers gained access to Australian government and corporate networks, and leaked sensitive information. This caused major disruption to the Australian economy and diplomatic relations with China. Other previous examples include:

1.  In June 2017, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology was the victim of a cyber attack which saw sensitive weather data and systems compromised.
2. In September 2016, the Australian Taxation Office was the target of a sophisticated cyber attack which saw the personal data of nearly 600,000 Australians compromised.
3. In November 2015, the University of New South Wales was the target of a cyber attack which saw the personal data of over 200,000 students and staff compromised.
4. In October 2015, the Australian Federal Police were the target of a cyber attack which saw the personal data of over 9,000 employees compromised.
5.  In September 2014, the Australian Defence Force was the target of a cyber attack which saw the personal data of over 35,000 employees compromised.