Google’s AI ‘Big Sleep’ Stops Active SQLite Exploit, Marks First AI-Driven Cyber Defense Win
Google's AI-powered security agent, Big Sleep, has successfully detected and mitigated a previously unknown vulnerability in SQLite, preventing potential real-world exploitation. This marks a significant advancement in the use of artificial intelligence for proactive cybersecurity measures.
Qantas Data Breach Exposes 5.7M Customers in Cyber Attack
Australian airline Qantas revealed a data breach affecting up to 5.7 million customers, stemming from a social engineering attack on a third-party platform. Hackers used phone impersonation tactics, potentially enhanced by AI, to access personal details like names and emails. Experts link it to Scattered Spider, though unconfirmed. Analysis covers implications and future cyber trends.
Australia Ranked 10th in the 2024 Global Index on Responsible AI
Australia’s artificial intelligence sector is expanding rapidly, driven by a rise in startups, academic research, and skilled job opportunities. A comprehensive 2025 report by the National Artificial Intelligence Centre outlines the current state of the ecosystem, highlighting strengths in innovation and adoption, while also noting key challenges in commercialization, infrastructure, and digital sovereignty.
AI Challenges Shake Global Digital ID Systems: Study Highlights Privacy and Trust Risks
A new international study finds that national digital identity systems are increasingly vulnerable to fraud and privacy risks due to advancements in artificial intelligence. The research, covering seven countries, urges stronger safeguards to maintain public trust.
Dell, Trend Micro & NVIDIA Unite to Launch AI-Powered Secure Infrastructure Solutions
Dell Technologies has joined forces with Trend Micro and NVIDIA to introduce AI-powered infrastructure solutions designed for secure, scalable deployment across enterprise environments. Revealed during a Trend Micro event on June 18, 2025, the collaboration combines Dell’s PowerFlex storage, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform, and NVIDIA’s AI frameworks to support sectors like finance and healthcare.
OpenAI Report Reveals Surge in Global AI Misuse, Urges Stronger Industry Action
A new OpenAI report outlines a sharp increase in malicious use of AI tools, from deepfake-driven scams to social media manipulation and cyberattacks. The June 2025 document emphasizes the urgent need for industry-wide cooperation to counter AI-enabled threats while balancing innovation with responsible deployment.
NSW Schools Caught in Microsoft Teams Biometric Data Collection Without Parental Consent
In March 2025, a Microsoft Teams update activated a biometric data collection feature affecting students and staff in NSW public schools. The Department of Education responded by disabling the feature and deleting the data, but the incident underscores growing privacy concerns and the importance of transparent communication in the adoption of AI tools in education.
AI Hallucinations Challenge Reliability as Adoption Grows in Law, Healthcare, and Business
Artificial intelligence systems are under scrutiny as “hallucinations”—plausible but false outputs—pose reliability concerns in critical fields such as law, healthcare, and business. Despite technological advances and growing adoption, experts note that the risk of AI-generated errors remains, prompting new efforts to enhance accuracy and build public trust.
Westpac to Cut 1,500 Jobs in 2025 as Bank Accelerates AI and Digital Transformation
Westpac Banking Corporation is set to cut around 1,500 jobs as part of its “Unite” strategy to streamline operations and boost investment in artificial intelligence. The redundancies, representing about 5% of the workforce, follow rising costs and profit pressures. The Finance Sector Union has voiced concerns about the move’s impact on staff and communities.
AI Deepfake Scams Cost Australians AU$2 Billion in 2024: ACCC and Experts Warn of Rising Threat
Australians lost $2.03 billion to scams in 2024, with AI-powered deepfake videos playing a major role in recent high-profile frauds. Authorities and industry experts warn that the rapid evolution of AI poses new challenges for detection and regulation, underscoring the urgent need for stronger safeguards and public education.
Palo Alto Networks Launches IRAP-Assessed AI Cybersecurity Browser for Australian Agencies
Palo Alto Networks has launched its Prisma Access Browser in Australia, an IRAP-assessed, AI-powered solution designed to enhance cybersecurity for federal agencies and critical infrastructure. The browser offers real-time threat protection and supports secure remote work, aligning with national security standards and Australia’s digital strategy.
AI Deepfake Scam Uses Fake Anthony Bolton Video to Target Investors on Instagram
A deepfake video impersonating former Fidelity fund manager Anthony Bolton has surfaced on Instagram, urging users to join a WhatsApp group for investment tips. This scam reflects the growing risk of AI-powered forgeries targeting investors and underscores the importance of verifying online content.
Google Boosts Security with AI-Driven Scam Detection for Chrome, Search, and Android
Google's latest AI-powered security features, powered by the Gemini Nano model, enhance protection against online scams and phone-based fraud on Chrome, Search, and Android. These on-device measures prioritize user privacy while improving real-time threat detection and reducing exposure to deceptive content.
Airtel Launches AI-Powered Fraud Detection Solution in India
Bharti Airtel has introduced an AI-powered fraud detection solution to safeguard its mobile and broadband users from online scams. The system, automatically enabled for all customers, uses DNS filtering and artificial intelligence to block malicious websites in real time, aiming to strengthen cybersecurity as digital threats rise across India.
Australia Introduces Identity Protection Bill to Combat Rising Cybercrime
The New South Wales (NSW) government has introduced the Identity Protection and Recovery Bill, aiming to strengthen identity security amid rising cybercrime. The legislation includes real-time fraud detection, a compromised credential register, and enhanced public awareness initiatives, potentially leveraging advanced technologies like AI to protect residents' personal information.
AI Uncovers Massive 'Pig Butchering' Scam Linked to North Korean Cybercrime
A massive cybercrime operation based in Cambodia, allegedly linked to North Korean hackers, has used AI to defraud victims worldwide, siphoning billions through complex financial schemes. This report explores the scale of the fraud, the role of AI, and the international crackdown to counter this emerging threat.
AI-Powered Cybercrime Drives Record US$16.6 Billion in Losses, FBI Reports
The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report highlights $16.6 billion in cybercrime losses—driven in part by the growing use of AI in phishing, extortion, and cryptocurrency scams. Elderly victims suffered the most, with $4.8 billion in reported losses. The FBI is leveraging AI tools to combat this evolving threat.
AI-Powered Reverse Location Search Sparks Privacy Concerns Amid Viral Social Media Trend
AI’s growing ability to identify locations from photos has sparked a viral trend — and significant privacy concerns. As models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude make reverse location searches easier, experts warn of potential misuse. This report explores the risks, safety tips, and calls for stronger regulations.
No AI Needed: How Old-School Smishing Still Steals Your Credit Card Info Worldwide
A Mandarin-speaking cybercriminal group, known as the Smishing Triad, has launched mass SMS-based phishing attacks across 121 countries. Using automation tools, phishing kits, and bulk messaging services, they impersonate banks and postal services to steal sensitive financial data. Institutions face mounting challenges as phishing incidents surge globally.
AI Urged After Cyberattack Hits AustralianSuper: $500K Stolen, MFA Missing
In April 2025, hackers exploited the lack of multifactor authentication in major Australian superannuation funds, stealing AU$500,000 from AustralianSuper accounts. The breach highlights urgent cybersecurity gaps and has sparked a push toward AI-driven threat detection to protect Australians’ retirement savings from evolving digital threats.