ACORN fights cybercrime dangers

With more than 45,500 cybercrime reports during 2016, the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) is continuing its crackdown.

The leading types of cybercrime being reported to the ACORN are online fraud and scams.

Scammers are known to set up sophisticated websites designed to trick consumers into thinking they are legitimate businesses, often using a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Number (ABN).

Online trading issues which affect Australians who buy and sell goods online were the second-highest type of cybercrime reported, with ACORN receiving 8783 reports in 2016.

The government launched the ACORN in November 2014 as an easy way for the public to report cybercrime and contribute to a national intelligence database which authorities can use to identify and shut down criminals.

The majority of reported victims of cybercrime were between 20 and 40 years of age (40%), followed by the 40–60 age group (38%).

February 7 marks Safer Internet Day 2017, raising awareness of emerging online issues and encouraging all Australians to watch out for common online scams.

Australians are urged to be wary of fake websites selling counterfeit items and gifts.

Victoria received the highest number of cybercrime reports, closely followed by Queensland and New South Wales.

The ACORN can be accessed online at www.acorn.gov.au.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Monsitj

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