New pilot programme to block cybercriminals impersonating Services Australia
elstra , in conjunction with
T the Australian Cybersecurity
Centre ( ACSC ) and Services Australia , is boosting Australia ’ s cyberresilience through the launch of a new security measure to block malicious text messages from reaching Telstra customers . The new pilot programme will identify and reject illegitimate phishing text messages that are impersonating myGov and Centrelink before they reach Telstra customers .
Minister for Defence , Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC , said the ACSC ’ s unique insights into the tradecraft and motivations of cybercriminals has been a key contribution to this pilot .
“ Cybersecurity is a whole of community effort . This pilot programme , which will eventually lead to industry-wide solutions , demonstrates how government and industry can work together to better protect Australians from cyberthreats ,” Reynolds said .
Minister for Home Affairs , Peter Dutton , said protecting all Australians from cybercrime is a key priority of the Morrison Government . recognise a genuine communication from a scam . “ In the 2019 – 20 financial year , almost 920 Services Australia customers reported scam losses totalling more than AU $ 6.4 million – an increase of AU $ 500,000 from the previous year , with SMS in the top five methods that scammers used ,” Robert said .
Telstra CEO , Andy Penn , said it is more important than ever to protect its customers .
“ With so many Australians now working from home as well as relying on government assistance through Services Australia , it ’ s vital that we constantly evolve our approach in defending against malicious activity on our networks ,” Penn said .
“ Cybercriminals continue to target Australians through SMS phishing campaigns by sending them text messages that attempt to redirect them to malicious websites . Being able to stop these scammers in their tracks will go a long way to protecting our customers .
“ This work also aligns with Australia ’ s 2020 Cybersecurity Strategy and the recommendations from the Industry Advisory Panel , which we look forward to helping implement in conjunction with the government , business and the community ,” Penn said .
Telstra is already supporting this objective through its Cleaner Pipes initiative announced in May and is incorporating the same technology across its own network , to help filter out malicious text messages impersonating Telstra that are being sent to its own customers . u intelligent MOBILE SECURITY
“ The government ’ s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020 contains initiatives to address the scourge of cybercrime . I welcome this pilot as an illustration of what government and industry can do working together to stop cybercriminals ripping-off innocent Australians ,” Dutton said .
Minister for Government Services , Stuart Robert , said it is more important than ever to protect Services Australia customers who may not be able to
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