“While the festive season should be a period of joy and goodwill, hackers are particularly active in Australia and have the ability to employ new, sophisticated tactics on consumers.

One emerging trend we’re seeing is the use of AI-powered tools, with deepfake technologies allowing hackers to create convincing face-swapped videos and the ability to emulate voices on the telephone. They might impersonate a family member stranded abroad or involved in an accident, preying on your emotional response to extract money. Hackers can also gain access to any details associated with a compromised phone number, making calls or texts appear genuine and exploiting the spirit of giving during this time. Sadly, these criminals often target vulnerable individuals who might be lonely or isolated during the holidays, preying on people’s insecurities and desire for connection. The increase in online activity during the festive season – such as online shopping or connecting with family through video calls – also provides hackers with more opportunities to infiltrate as people are often less cautious and more distracted.

To protect yourself, be wary of out-of-character messages or behaviours. Unusual salutations, urgent requests for money, or stories that don’t quite add up should raise red flags. If you receive a suspicious message, ask a simple question that a genuine family member would know, or use a pre-arranged codeword before parting with any money. Never click on links in unsolicited messages and if your device is older than five years old, know that is more vulnerable to infiltration. By staying alert, using the latest available hardware and taking these precautions, the public will enjoy a safe and secure holiday season.”