Cyber Threats Rise for Aussie Small Businesses

Cybersecurity experts are warning that ongoing geopolitical tensions are increasing the frequency and severity of online attacks on small and medium-sized businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

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Pick & Scroll News
July 01, 2025

Cybersecurity experts are warning that ongoing geopolitical tensions are increasing the frequency and severity of online attacks on small and medium-sized businesses in Australia and New Zealand. As these nations support their global allies, they are unintentionally creating vulnerabilities that hackers, particularly those aligning with pro-Russia and pro-Iran agendas, aim to exploit.


A leading cybersecurity firm recently raised the threat level in Australia and New Zealand from "low" to "moderate" due to a growing number of cyber incidents linked to ideologically driven groups. These hackers, often described as hacktivists, have targeted a range of businesses, including online retailers and school uniform suppliers, regardless of the companies' lack of political involvement.


These cyberattacks tend to surge after major government decisions related to foreign policy. For example, following Australia's deployment of a Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to assist Ukraine in Poland, cybersecurity analysts observed an increase in online activity among pro-Russia groups. Experts believe the timing of this response suggests a calculated effort to retaliate against actions perceived as political statements.


Most attacks come in the form of distributed denial-of-service (DDOS) attempts, which flood computer systems with fake requests, or through website defacement, where digital content is replaced with propaganda. While these attacks typically do not halt operations entirely, they can harm reputations, lead to costly repairs and disrupt customer trust, particularly for businesses lacking robust cybersecurity protections.


Small and medium-sized businesses are now facing cyber threats that go beyond technical issues. These attacks represent the broader consequences of global political moves. Unlike large corporations or government institutions, smaller firms often have fewer resources and are therefore viewed as easier, symbolic targets for groups seeking to make their mark.