Industry news

Cyber Brief for CFOs: November / December 2024

Catherine Chipeta
2 Min

Each month, the team at Eftsure monitors the headlines for the latest accounts payable (AP) and security news. We bring you all the essential stories in our cyber brief so your team can stay secure.

Hackers target schools for personal data amid rising threats

Schools have become a prime target for hackers, who exploit the valuable troves of personal data held by educational institutions. Sensitive student and parent information is being weaponised for identity theft and financial fraud. This escalating threat highlights the need for stronger data protection practices across the sector. Find out more about the risks schools are facing and how organisations can respond effectively.

Fraud complaints soar, revealing rising financial risks

Reports of financial fraud are surging, with many cases involving sums over $100,000. This troubling trend signals the growing sophistication of fraud tactics and the urgent need for finance teams to bolster monitoring systems. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has raised concerns, warning organisations to stay vigilant and proactive.

AI-driven phishing campaigns bypass detection systems

Hackers are leveraging AI tools to create highly targeted phishing emails, often designed to evade traditional detection systems. These campaigns, which exploit trusted platforms like Gmail, highlight the increasing need for advanced cybersecurity defences. Learn more about these sophisticated AI-enabled attacks and how to protect your organisation.

Deepfakes emerge as a new fraud risk for finance teams

The proliferation of deepfake technology poses unique risks for finance teams, including challenges to authentication and fraud detection protocols. A recent analysis explores how finance professionals can strengthen their processes to mitigate the threat posed by manipulated audio and video.

Cyberattack costs AI company $250,000 in stolen funds

A UK-based AI company reported a devastating $250,000 loss after attackers exploited weaknesses in its payment systems. Hackers appear to have infiltrated the network, misdirected a wire payment, deleted emails and potentially accessed sensitive files, with potential ongoing financial implications.

Teiss provides insights into what went wrong and how organisations can better secure their financial systems.

BEC fraud leads to $2 million loss for major institution

A sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) scam led to a $2 million loss for a hospital after fraudsters manipulated email communications to redirect payments. This high-profile case highlights the importance of verifying transactions before processing them. Read the full story to see how this fraud unfolded and the lessons it offers for other organisations.

Business email compromise threat grows, reveals 2024 ASD report

According to the Australian Signals Directorate’s annual cybercrime report, incidents decreased by 7% to 87,400, but daily hotline calls rose to 100. Business email compromise remains a critical threat, with small businesses particularly vulnerable to growing financial impacts.

Read the rest of our breakdown of the report.

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