Scams cost Australians $3.1 billion, National Anti-Scam Centre opens in July 2023.
In a strategic move to thwart the escalating menace of scams in Australia, the government has allocated $86.5 million to establish the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC). The centre, set to launch in July 2023 within the ACCC, is aimed at amplifying cybersecurity measures and ensuring robust information sharing to combat scamming operations in real-time.
Last year, scams cost Australians an alarming $3.1 billion, an 80 per cent surge from 2021. The most devastating of these were investment scams, which alone accounted for $1.5 billion. In response, the newly-funded NASC will utilize cutting-edge technology for high-frequency data sharing and coordination with law enforcement, government institutions, and the private sector.
The establishment of the NASC is a groundbreaking initiative in the fight against scams. "As scammers become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, it is clear a coordinated response across government, law enforcement, and the private sector is essential to combat scams more effectively," said ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe. The centre is set to change the cybersecurity landscape by facilitating faster responses to scam reports, launching "fusion cells" - expert task forces that will act on scam trends, and introducing a "white list" of approved phone numbers to prevent SMS scams.
Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4, Jacqueline Jayne, commended the development, saying, "This new anti-scam centre is good news and I'm hopeful that with the addition of education and awareness, these government measures will support the decrease of Australians becoming victims of scams." She emphasized the need for empowering Australians to make better decisions when it comes to security, advocating for ongoing and relevant education to increase basic cyber hygiene and enhance their ability to spot phishing attempts.
The National Anti-Scam Centre represents a burgeoning commitment by the Australian government to tackle the escalating issue of scams. The establishment of the centre underscores the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to cybersecurity and highlights the need for robust collaboration between government, law enforcement, and the private sector.
While the National Anti-Scam Centre signifies a major leap forward in the fight against scams, it's crucial that individuals and businesses remain vigilant and informed. In the face of evolving cyber threats, maintaining good cyber hygiene and staying updated on the latest security practices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.
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