Australian defence communication platform hit by ransomware

Hackers have attacked a communications network used by Australian military personnel and defence employees. No data has been exposed yet, but some private information of military workers may have been stolen.  Experts agree that the nation has become a target for cyberattacks due to a skills gap that makes overworked, underfunded cybersecurity personnel unprepared to stop it.

Authorities reported on Monday that hackers had attacked a communications network used by Australian military personnel and defence employees with a ransomware attack. The nation has also fought a recent surge in cyberattacks against businesses.

According to Assistant Minister of Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, the ForceNet service, one of the outside companies the defence department hires to manage one of its websites, has come under attack. Although no data has been exposed, some private information of military workers may have been stolen.

Technical experts agree that the nation has become a target for cyberattacks due to a skills gap that makes overworked, underfunded cybersecurity personnel unprepared to stop it.