Australia and New Zealand military leadership have signed a new memorandum of understanding to enhance Australian Defence Force–New Zealand Defence Fore collaboration in the cyber domain.

Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific nations are seeing a surge in INC Ransom attacks targeting critical systems and sensitive data. Cybersecurity agencies warn the group is expanding its reach through an affiliate-based ransomware model.

New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy 2026 - 2030 is a blueprint for collective action against cyber threats focusing on strengthening foundations and protecting our long-term cyber security through four key objectives: Understand, prevent and prepare, respond, and partner.

A Microsoft 365 security lapse within the Western Australian government has reportedly resulted in $71,000 being stolen and the exposure of sensitive data, including children’s information. 

Fairfield City Council has initiated legal proceedings following a cyberattack, as officials seek to prevent the unauthorised release of sensitive data. The breach, linked to a 2025 ransomware attack, exposed personal and financial information of residents and staff, prompting urgent legal action. 

Insider threats are becoming a growing concern for Australian organisations, with deliberate attacks by employees now increasing faster than accidental security mistakes, according to new research from Mimecast.