On 2 March 2021 Microsoft released information regarding multiple exploits being used to compromise instances of Microsoft Exchange Server. Malicious actors are exploiting these vulnerabilities to compromise Microsoft Exchange servers exposed to the internet, enabling access to email accounts and to enable further compromise of the Exchange server and associated networks.
Australians are being urged to strengthen their cyber defences and be alert to online threats through a new national cyber security campaign.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has launched the Think Before You Link campaign which aims to raise awareness of the threat of malicious social media profiles, and educate current and former security clearance holders to understand the signs of a malicious approach online.
The ACSC is aware of a recently disclosed critical vulnerability in Microsoft Active Directory Domain Controller systems that allows unauthenticated attackers to trivially access administrative credentials.
The Australian Government is aware of, and responding to, a sustained targeting of Australian governments and companies by a sophisticated state-based actor. The title ‘Copy-paste compromises’ is derived from the actor’s heavy use of tools copied almost identically from open source.
ALERTS
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The Australian government will NEVER phone you to request access to your computer, or request you to purchase cryptocurrencies or gift cards. If you receive a suspicious phone call, take the caller's details, hang up and contact the company they claim to represent via official communication channels listed on their website. Never call a number provided by the scammer.
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A remote code execution vulnerability could enable a malicious cyber actor to compromise vulnerable Microsoft Windows hosts. The ACSC strongly recommends applying available patches.
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Exim vulnerabilities could enable a malicious cyber actor to compromise vulnerable Exim servers. The ACSC strongly recommends applying available patches.
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On 24 April 2021, Australian software company Click Studios announced a compromise of the software update process for their enterprise password management software PasswordState, used by organisations in Australia and globally.
About the ACSC
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is based within the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). We provide advice and information about how to protect you, your family and your business online.
The ACSC’s cyber security mission is supported by ASD’s wider organisation, whose role is to provide foreign signals intelligence and who have a long history of cyber security excellence. We lead the Australian Government’s efforts to improve cyber security. Our role is to help make Australia the most secure place to connect online.
For further information read more about the ACSC.
Become an ACSC Partner
The ACSC Partnership Program enables a wide range of organisations to engage with the ACSC and fellow partners, drawing on collective understanding, experience, skills and capability to lift cyber resilience across the Australian economy.
NEWS & MEDIA
Updating the software on electronic devices is one of the easiest and most important ways all Australians can defend against cybercriminals and be protected from online threats.
Abigail Bradshaw CSC, Head of Australian Cyber Security Centre, interview with Fran Kelly on ABC Radio National, 31 March 2021.
On World Back-up Day, the Australian Government is urging businesses, organisations and individuals to back-up their digital information to protect themselves against compromise.
'The Future of Cyber Security in Australia’ – Address by Abigail Bradshaw CSC, on 15 March 2021 Canberra Convention Centre.
Australians are being urged to strengthen proof of identity protections to help stop cybercriminals gaining unauthorised access to online information and accounts.
