Assistance Defence Minister Andrew Hastie has launched a new cybersecurity campaign to focus on ransomware after it became one of the most significant cyber threats that Australians and Australian businesses face in the past year. Ransomware is where cybercriminals use malicious software to deny access to files and devices, then demand the victim to pay a ransom in return for access. “The Australian Signals Directorate has used, and will continue to use, its broad range of offensive cyber capabilities to disrupt and bring cybercriminal syndicates targeting Australia to their knees,” Hastie said. “Offensive cyber is just one of the tools in Australia’s toolkit.” Hastie encourages all individuals and businesses affected by ransomware attacks to report their incidents to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), which uses the information to learn, warn, and protect others from attacks. “The ACSC provides vital advice and assistance to defend Australian businesses and individuals against ransomware …