The Great Aussie Spyware Stoush: Navigate the Digital Underbelly Like an ACSC Essential 8 Pro
G’day mates! Let’s dive into the world of spyware without drowning in paranoia, shall we? Spyware and other mischievous malware are costing organisations big time, both in Australia and around the world. How much? Try billions of dollars. That’s more dough than you’d find at a Bakers Delight!
What Is Spyware and Why Should I Care, Cobber?
Spyware is a sneaky type of malware that slips into your computer and network to gather intel on you and your organisation faster than a nosy neighbour peeking through the blinds. Researchers at an international security event found that a whopping 61% of surveyed computer users had been compromised by spyware. What’s crazier? 91% of them didn’t have a flaming clue about it!
Not only does spyware snoop around your computer activities, it can also:
- Record your login credentials and passwords (Bad for you, worse for the boss)
- Swipe personal and proprietary information (Yes, it’s like that one bloke who copies all your best work)
- Track the websites you visit (So it knows about your secret love for cat videos)
ACSC Essential 8 and ISO27001/2: The Saviours You Never Knew You Needed
Want to kick spyware to the kerb? In comes the ACSC Essential 8, Australia’s own cybersecurity guidelines that focus on strategies like application whitelisting, patching apps, and configuring Microsoft Office macro settings. Coupled with the international ISO 27001/2 Information Security standards, you can build an Aussie fortress that’s tougher to crack than a Darwinian coconut.
By the way, did you know that the University of Tasmania had to recover from a serious malware infection back in 2020? They’re now using a framework closely aligned to the ACSC Essential 8 to prevent future breaches.
Got Spyware? Here’s How You’ll Know
Still unsure? Here are some telltale signs to watch for:
- Slow Computer Performance: Before you chuck your computer into the bin, consider that sluggishness could be a spyware red flag.
- Toolbar Tomfoolery: New, mysterious toolbar buttons? That’s not an IT upgrade, mate; that’s probably malware.
- Web Woes: Internet slower than a wet week? Could be spyware.
- Browser Bewilderment: If your homepage is looking different and you didn’t change it, something’s fishy.
What to Do When the Chips are Down
Think you’ve caught a digital cold? Don’t play doctor. First, consult your organisation’s IT policy and get in touch with the IT department faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline.
The Best Offence is a Good Defence
Remember the first line of defence against spyware is up-to-date antivirus software and a solid firewall. At work, you should be following your organisation’s internet and email usage policies like a pro, as per ACSC Essential 8 guidelines. And for the love of Tim Tams, don’t download sketchy software!
So there you go! Equipped with this information and ACSC Essential 8, you can tell spyware to “bugger off” while keeping your digital life safer than a crate of Bundy Rum in an Aussie summer. Cheers!
