Enhancing cyber defences in remote communities

Australia’s remote regions are home to many who cherish the solace it offers. And while the internet connects these communities to the wider world, it also exposes them to growing threats of cybercrime and scams.

Australians living in regional and remote communities lose an astonishing $200,000 a day to investment scams. These residents often feel isolated and unsupported when facing cybercrime.

And according to IDCARE - Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service – these people are 70 per cent more likely to unwittingly grant criminals remote access to their devices.

This heightened vulnerability necessitates a proactive approach to cyber resilience and education.

As part of a two-year sponsorship with IDCARE, ANZ aims to deliver cyber resilience and scam awareness workshops to some of the most vulnerable communities across Australia. This initiative highlights ANZ’s strong dedication to protecting Australians from scams and cyber threats.

Impact and Future Directions

Launched in 2021 with support from the Federal Government, IDCARE’s Cyber Resilience Outreach Clinics (CROC) have already made a substantial impact. Over 16,000 individuals benefited from the initial outreach program, which involved IDCARE vehicles traveling across the country to deliver more than 200 clinics.

Now, IDCARE is focusing on creating lasting impacts and connections within its 15 target regions. The organisation is also dedicated to developing culturally and linguistically relevant materials to better serve these communities.

The addition of the CROC initiative further strengthens ANZ’s dedication to improving the financial and digital security of Australians.

David Lacey, IDCARE Managing Director, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership with ANZ.

“CROC is our way that IDCARE, with our strategic partners like ANZ, can connect with regional and remote communities to advance awareness and education about scams, cybercrimes, and identity theft,” Lacey says.

Lacey pointed out the disproportionate losses suffered by Australians in remote areas compared to urban residents.

“IDCARE is seeing too much being lost by Australians in these communities compared to their city cousins. To make a dint in these crimes, we have to encourage community members to share stories, experiences, and information on what to do and where to go to find help. We’re thrilled ANZ is joining IDCARE in this important community work.”

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ANZ and IDCARE are working together to help fight cybercrime in remote communities.

Enhancing cyber resilience

The partnership between ANZ and IDCARE represents a significant advancement in the fight against cybercrime in remote and regional Australia.

By combining resources and expertise, organisation involved in the program are well positioned to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most at risk.

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It’s crucial that we extend our reach to the entire community, especially those in remote areas. Working with IDCARE, we know we’re getting information to the people who need it most.

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Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, Australia.

After a recent visit to Alice Springs and engaging with the community at the Neighbourhood Watch Safety Expo, it was evident how prevalent fraud and scams are in these remote areas.

We listened to countless stories from locals who shared how they and their families had fallen victim to scams, really emphasising the urgent need for support. This experience reinforced the importance of providing education and resources to these communities through organisations like IDCARE, to help prevent further harm and build awareness around these issues.

As the CROC initiative continues to expand, it promises to empower communities, enhance cyber resilience, and contribute to the overall safety and wellbeing of Australians nationwide.

We are incredibly excited at ANZ to partner with IDCARE to help educate Australians on protecting themselves against fraud and scams.

Together, we’re committed to empowering people with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.

Shaq Johnson is Head of Customer Protection at ANZ