As the 5G rollout progresses, mobile network operators are going to start turning off 3G services. While 3G will still be around for a little longer, we're already seeing telcos switch it off entirely. Australian 3G Network Shutdown: Everything you need to know Why shut down 3G networks? All wireless communications rely on radio frequency or "spectrum" (measured in megahertz bands, such as 850MHz or 2100MHz). Spectrum is a fixed resource. The amount available to use is determined by the physics of radio waves. Telcos buy access to "lots" of spectrum that they use to build their network, but once a band is full, that's it. We can't add more. As such, telcos have to make the most of the spectrum they have. For example, if a provider no longer runs 3G services on a certain band, it can redeploy that spectrum as faster and more efficient 4G or 5G. It's not a perfect analogy, but think of spectrum like a farm. You can change how you use your land - you could turn your apple orchard into a vineyard - but you can't plant outside of your property. Find a better phone plan Use the WhistleOut search engine to compare mobile deals from 30 providers. When will Australia's 3G networks be shut down? Telstra and Optus have all phased out parts of their 3G networks, but there's still a bit of time before their 3G networks are shut down entirely. Vodafone started shutting down its 3G network on December 15 last year, and finished in January. Telstra is slated to turn off 3G in August, while Optus follow in September. These dates may change, however. The Federal Government could force Telstra and Optus to push back their respective 3G network shutdown dates amid concerns some older 4G phones may not be able to call Triple Zero without 3G. Telstra has already pushed back its 3G shutdown date from June to August. There are also a number of 4G phones that won't be able to make calls at all when 3G is shut down, since they don't support VoLTE. Telstra 3G shutdown Telstra switched off 3G connectivity on its 2100MHz spectrum on March 25, 2019, but will continue to operate 3G services on its 850MHz spectrum until August 31, 2024. Telstra was originally planning to stop operating its 3G network on June 30, but delayed the closure by two months to give customers more time to upgrade devices if need be. Telstra published a list of devices it has sold that were affected by the 2100MHz 3G shutdown. You can find it here. If you have a 2100MHz-only 3G device, it will no longer be able to connect to the Telstra network. If you can still get 3G on the Telstra network, your device hasn't been affected by Telstra's decision to switch off 3G on 2100MHz. Customers with a phone plan on Telstra-powered MVNOs such as Boost Mobile, Belong, and Woolworths Mobile will also be affected by this change. Telstra customers and customers on a Telstra-powered provider can text "3" to 3498 to see if their phone will continue to work after the 3G shutdown. Vodafone 3G shutdown Vodafone phased 3G connectivity on its 2100MHz spectrum over the course of 2019, and stopped operating 3G services on its 900MHz spectrum starting December 15 last year. It progressively shut down its 3G network and finished in January. Optus 3G shutdown Optus has ended 3G services on the 2100MHz spectrum, but still offers 3G connectivity on the 900Mhz spectrum. It will shut down the rest of its 3G network in September this year. Australian 3G Network Shutdown: Everything you need to know 4G phones that won't work after the 3G shutdown Some older 4G phones won't be able to make phone calls at all when 3G networks are shut down, due to a lack of VoLTE support. VoLTE is a technology that allows phones to make calls over 4G networks. As such, these phones will effectively become data-only devices following the 3G shutdown. What makes this a little more complicated is the fact that VoLTE compatibility can differ between Telstra and Optus. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 supports VoLTE on Optus, but it doesn't support it on Telstra. The Galaxy S7 was the first VoLTE-compatible S-series phone for Telstra customers. Here's a list of popular 4G phones that will no longer work on the Telstra network after it shuts down 3G: iPhone 5 iPhone 5C iPhone 5S Galaxy S5 Galaxy S6 Galaxy S6 Edge Galaxy Note 4 And here's a list of popular 4G phones that will no longer work on the Optus network after it shuts down 3G: iPhone 5 iPhone 5C iPhone 5S Galaxy S5 Galaxy Note 4 Google Pixel 2 XL Huawei Y6 Prime Optus X Smart 4G OPPO A57 OPPO F1s In addition, there are some newer 4G devices that support VoLTE but still use 3G for calling Triple Zero. As such, these phones won't be able to make emergency calls after 3G is shut down. The following popular 4G devices will still be able to make calls after the 4G shutdown, but won't be able to make emergency calls. iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus iPhone SE (1st generation) Galaxy S7 Galaxy S7 Plus Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8 Plus Galaxy Note 5 Galaxy Note 8 Google Pixel Google Pixel XL Google Pixel 2 Google Pixel 2 XL* *Optus says the Pixel 2 XL won't be able to make phone calls at all after the 3G shutdown, but Telstra says the phone will keep working for its customers There are other phones from other manufacturers that will be affected by this issue. If you're concerned about your device, its best to contact your telco directly.

A holistic data centre, will provide a comprehensive range of platforms that have been designed to meet any client's requirements that needs to manage there entire hardware ans software into the cloud. Cloud computing is a transformative concept in the field of computing. It enables businesses to access a wide range of software and services on demand. Unlike the traditional approach of purchasing expensive servers upfront, cloud computing provides businesses with access to a flexible pool of computing resources at various levels, including platform, infrastructure, and applications. By leveraging the robust infrastructure and IT services offered by Nerdcore PC, businesses can achieve greater efficiency and speed without the need to invest in building, managing, or maintaining their own infrastructure. Types of Cloud Computing Models Public Cloud Host your systems on a high-performance Public Cloud that actually protects you from downtime with high-availability infrastructure. Hybrid Cloud Extend your existing infrastructure into the Cloud whilst still utilising and benefiting from your existing hardware via Hybrid Cloud. Private Cloud Benefit from the scalability, flexibility, and customisability of Public Cloud, but utilising your own hardware for even greater security and efficiency. Multi Cloud Utilise multiple Cloud providers to increase your flexibility, reduce your costs, and mitigate the risks of relying on a single provider. The Types of Cloud Computing Services A Visual Guide to Shared Responsibility With each Cloud Computing deployment model and service, the responsibilities of the provider and user differ; here is a visual guide on where the lines are drawn. Need help solutioning or migrating? Wherever you’re currently hosted, we have dedicated solution architects that can assist with the design, build, and migration away from your current platform. They’re experts in designing large-scale cloud platforms and can assist you regardless of what platform you are looking at moving to. If you are interested in migrating over to any of our Cloud platforms, reach out to us! We’d love to have a conversation and assist you on the next stage of your cloud platform journey. Call Nerdcore PC for a free consultation

Welcome to the nerdcore family the club that brings your ideas to life. We advertise on all the foreign radio stations across the Australian country to reach as many people as possible. Rythmos greek radio station is just one of them. Are we doing enough to protect our computers in our businesses? Do you have an appetite to keep your systems safe. In our community we are faced with many challenging computer viruses in our lives. Nerdcore computers is the voice of computer repair services for Australia. Support is available at 1300nerdcore if your experiencing computer viruses, dont hesitate to pickup the phone if you need to. Dear Customers, Come by office for a Greek Frappe before we leave for Greece. Its been a pleasure to help Thousands of Businesses, Families, Friends, an working users over the last 20 years. The time is near were our team is heading overseas to Athens Greece for a vacation, seminar with our Athens Pangkrati office again . Our company started in Athens in 2020 an i have to attend to the guys over there. From the 10th July 2024 you might not find me at the office in Hughesdale. But will find me in our office in Athens pangrati. But rest assured our staff can help you at 3b Willesden Road Hughesdale or at your office or home location. Our staff would more than happy to help with any issues or answer any questions you might have about your nerdcore pc. From File server Maintenance to onsite computer repairs for businesses we have got your back. We thrilled to announce that our team has had an amazing start to 2024 year an we hope to see you all when i return from my Vacation. Or if you are in Europe send us a message on Facebook or instagram so we can organize some happy snappies. Athens were coming to see you 2024 - Computer repairs Athens - Nerdcore PC We will still have staff on the ground at the office in Melbourne. I look forward to seeing you at your place or ours. You can still ask for help or request an engineer to help you at your business. Were passionate about technology an we look forward to doing more business with your staff when we return. Any business computer repairs please fill in the quick quotes section on our webpage or shoot us an email at helpdesk@nerdcore.com.au. Please leave a message if you require urgent assistance at you home or business a technician will contact you within 30 minutes or there after to assist you with your enquiry. Thank you for your support over the years. We appreciate all the hard work everyone has put into making this company a global force. Managing Director Nick Veloutsos Check out some of our other Guest post which you can find some useful information about any computer breakdowns that require a professional engineer to care for your computers an bring them back to life. Computer Repairs Melbourne Computer Repairs Sydney Computer Repairs Hobart Computer Repairs Brisbane Computer repairs Perth Computer Repairs Darwin Author Nerdcore Computers Service Centre.

The Best eSIM Providers and Plans for Australia Australia is a vast country, often referred to as a continent itself, with numerous places to explore and activities to enjoy, making a reliable phone connection essential for navigation, sharing memories, and staying in touch with loved ones. Purchasing a local eSIM in Australia can be complex due to various options like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, each offering different advantages based on coverage, affordability, and data packages. While local network providers are dependable, using them as a foreigner requires a thorough process involving passport details and accommodation information, along with ensuring device compatibility with Australian network frequencies. Opting for third-party mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) for an eSIM can be a more convenient choice, as they utilize major local networks, offer cost-effective plans, and additional benefits like unlimited data, phone numbers, SMS, and calls. This article will compare the top travel eSIM plans and providers in Australia to help you select the most suitable option for your trip, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience. The Best eSIM Providers and Plans for Australia ✅ Our top recommendation: Yesim 20GB Australia Yesim might not be the most famous eSIM provider, but they offers exceptional value compared to its peers. Our top recommendation for Australia is this 20 GB plan / 7 days plan, perfect for those who need large data for browsing the internet or updating loved ones at home. The best part? You can activate this offer in a heartbeat by scanning the QR code sent to your email. Data 20 GB Validity30 day(s) 🇦🇺 Australia Data only Special Offer: €7 OFF Yesim - Australia $33.62 $41.21 $1.68/GB Learn more › This data package works on both Vodafone and Optus in 4G, two of the top network providers in the country. So, rest assured that you can enjoy the fastest coverage and speed at an affordable price. Yesim: the best provider for a cheap eSIM plan Those who are on a backpacker's budget, eyes here! Of all the international eSIMs we have compared, Yesim, so far, offers one of the cheapest eSIM plans. Yesim offers a 3 GB / 30-day plan for only 10 ($3.28 after discount). With this plan, you can get up to 4G access from the country's leading network operators, such as Vodaphone and Optus. You're also free to use this eSIM in 8 other Southeast Asian countries; however, we doubt you won't consume all this data during your travels in Australia. The Best eSIM Providers and Plans for Australia If you maxed out your data, though, you can easily top up online using the Yesim app or website. You need not also worry about language barriers or navigation on their platform because it uses the English language and features a user-friendly interface. If you prefer slightly more data, you can avail this 5 GB 30-day plan for $8.69 after discount (originally priced at $16.30). Data 5 GB Validity15 day(s) 🇦🇺 Australia Data only Special Offer: €7 OFF Yesim - Australia $8.68 $16.27 $1.74/GB Learn more › It's a bit more expensive than the previous plan but still cheaper if we compare it to other third-party MVNOs. For example, a similar plan at Redteago will cost you $9. GoMoWorld: best for trips up to 10 days GoMoWorld is relatively new to the industry. It was founded in 2023 and doesn't offer many plans across countries. The catch? They offer cheaper plans than most competitors, especially for larger eSIM data packages. This is likely a way to attract travelers to patronize their brand, and it seems effective because they have many users already despite being a startup. For your 10-day trip in Australia, you might want to try our database's most popular eSIM prepaid plan – the 20GB data / 30 days in 4G. Data 20 GB Validity5 day(s) 12 countries Data only Maya Mobile - Asia+ 20GB - 5 Days $34.00 $1.70/GB Learn more › To buy this plan (or to take advantage of any of their offerings), you must download their app from Google Playstore and App Store. Once you get the app, create a user profile, purchase the plan, and set it up within minutes. Unfortunately, you can only use it within Australia, so if you have other plans of visiting nearby countries within this continent, you will need to buy another eSIM data package from the same or different provider. Best for Australia + New Zealand: Maya Do you have plans to travel to New Zealand after your exhilarating trip to Australia, or vice versa? Then, you need a global or regional eSIM that works for both countries. Maya is an excellent eSIM for anyone traveling to the region. It offers one of the most cost-effective products, uses a Vodaphone network, and provides an extensive 4G/LTE coverage. Our favorite travel eSIM plan to use around the continent is this 20 GB data plan, valid for 5 days. Data 20 GB Validity5 day(s) 12 countries Data only Maya Mobile - Asia+ 20GB - 5 Days $34.00 $1.70/GB Learn more › With only $25, you can use this eSIM in Australia, New Zealand, and 10 other Asian countries. While unlimited browsing is not possible, customizing your subscription is easy. You are free to prolong the validity of your eSIM by utilizing the top-up feature. Once Maya reminds you that you're low on data, you can add more via the app with 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB options. On the flip side, a large amount of data for a short duration might not be for everyone, especially those who usually spend time indoors and can connect to WiFi. So, here's a large data plan from Nomad that you use for 60 days around multiple countries. It isn't the most affordable travel eSIM for your Aussie trip, but it's ideal for staying connected. Data 30 GB Validity60 day(s) 8 countries Data only Special Offer: $1 OFF Nomad - Regional SEA-Oceania - 60 Days - 30 GB $59.00 $60.00 $1.97/GB Learn more › The generous 40 GB plan / 60 days is better than almost any other regional eSIM we looked at for Australian travel. It also offers excellent features like 4G and 5G accessibility and easy top-up. Maya: best for unlimited plans To ensure reliable connectivity beyond your hostel's inconsistent WiFi, you'll need sufficient data for your travels in Australia. If you do not worry about budget, you should invest in unlimited data packages for work and leisure purposes. Maya provides unlimited plans that grant access to 3G / 4G high-speed coverage. This is suitable for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities like exploring secluded islands, mountain climbing, or visiting remote areas. Data Unlimited Validity10 day(s) 12 countries Data only Maya Mobile - Asia+ Unlimited LITE - 10 Days $45.00 Learn more › Traveling can be unpredictable, making it essential to remain consistently connected to the internet. With this plan, you can enjoy 2GB of high-speed data (you get unlimited 1MB/s data though) daily on your trips to Australia and New Zealand and 10 other Asian countries. Note, though, that throttling can happen in all unlimited plans. Once you've exhausted the allocated data usage for this eSIM package, you may need to wait until another day to enjoy the same level of coverage. eSIM Australia FAQs Is Airalo good for Australia? Absolutely! Airalo eSIMs are good for your trip to Australia. Their eSIMs are from Yes! Go! -  and they use a 4G/LTE coverage from Optus. We are big fans of Airalo. However, we find their eSIM plans in Australia expensive. Hence, it’s not part of our “best” list. For instance, their 20 GB / 30-day package is worth $40, which is a lot pricier than the plans we have provided in this post. Does Vodafone offer prepaid eSIM in Australia? Yes, Vodafone offers prepaid eSIM to both locals and foreigners in Australia. It’s one of the biggest eSIM providers in the country. You can get their eSIM through their My Vodaphone app. Also, local MVNOs use the Vodafone network to provide prepaid eSIMs. These providers are Felix Mobile, Kogan Mobile, Lebara, and TPG. Most international eSIMs likewise collaborate with Vodaphone to provide the best network in the country. Some of these third-party MVNOs are Yesim, Maya, and Nomad. Do other local providers offer prepaid eSIM for Australia? Three major local providers offer prepaid eSIM for Australia, namely Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Regardless of which eSIM you choose, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to use a reliable data connection in the country. Australia also offers local MVNOs. These MVNOs buy network service from the three above mentioned phone networks and provide the basic products as the giant telcos at a lower price. Which carriers support eSIM in Australia? Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the top 3 carriers that support eSIM in Australia. These telco giants also work with small telcos to provide SIM and eSIM services in the country. Here’s a table of your options: Sources: https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/what-is-esim https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/which-network-is-behind-your-MVNO However, buying from international MVNOs is your best bet if you're a foreigner traveling in Australia. Purchasing local eSIMs before or upon arrival in the country can be a hassle and time-consuming, and third-party providers provide a seamless process. Not to mention that it's a lot cheaper than putting your phone on roaming. Is my device compatible with an eSIM? eSIM is quite a new technology in the country. It was only launched in 2018, so we expect only newer phone models to be eSIM-compatible. If you've recently bought a new iPhone, Samsung, Oppo, Google, and Motorola phone, then it's likely that your device is compatible with an eSIM. You can look at this article to know whether your phone is eSIM compatible. Conclusion Choosing the best eSIM providers and plans is up to you. It depends on what type of traveler you are – are you a digital nomad? A globetrotter? or only visiting the country for a week or so? The best plans we've provided in this article are tailored to these types of travelers in mind. So, it's up to you to identify which suits your needs. Pro Tip: Before you take that much-awaited flight to Australia, check your phone and bank account, as they will also help you find the best plans that work for you. In case you didn't find the right plan for your trip, there's a high chance that you might find it here: Author Nerdcore Computers

Dion Red X Msi Z790 Gmaing Wifi Mother Board Core i7 - 6.2 ghz 14700k Cpu 64 gb ddr5 Fury Memory 2tb M.2 SSD Antec Platinum 1300 watt PSU Corsair 7000d Airflow Case Cooler Master Atmos 360 Liquid cooling System Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64 bit Wifi + Bluetooth 7 Pack Rgb Fan Silent Noise Buy it Now $4500.00 2 Years Return To Base Warranty Custom PCS Computers - Nerdcore PC Custom Gaming Computers - Nerdcore PC New Computers - Nerdcore Computers Dion Red X Core Workstation Content Creator - Custom PC gaming Computer Dion Red X Core i7 - 6.2 ghz 14700k Cpu 64 gb ddr5 Fury Memory 2tb M.2 SSD Antec Platinum 1300watt PSU Corsair 7000d Airflow Case Cooler Master Atmos 360 Liquid cooling System Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64 bit Wifi + Bluetooth Buy it Now $4500.00 2 Years Return To Base Warranty New computers for sale - Nerdcore PC Custom Gaming PCS - Nerdcore PC Call nerdcore PC for a custom build - Any Budget you have in mind.

In Short and Sweet Mother's Day Messages Hugs and kisses. Love you, Mum! Enjoy this day that's all for you! Thanks for all that you do for me! Lots of love. You're the best mum! To the best mum in the world! Nerdcore pc is giving the chance for one lucky mother to win a laptop. Want your mum to have a new updated pc for her. As an appreciation to our customers who we have been serving since 2001. Were giving away a new laptop to one lucky mum. To be part of this raffle just submit an online enquiry form stating code GIFTNERD. The laptop is a dell Dell Latitude 5500 (Latitude 15 5500 Series) Processor: Intel Core i7-8665U 4 x 1.9 - 4.8 GHz (Intel Core i7) Graphics adapter Intel UHD Graphics 620 Memory: 16 GB Display: 15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, capacitive, LGD05FF 156WFD, IPS, glossy: no Mainboard - Intel Cannon Lake-U PCH-LP Premium Storage 1Tb

In the year when ice t moonwalked into our hearts, Apple introduced the Macintosh, and Orwell's dystopian vision resonated in our thoughts, the world stood at the edge of transformation. It was a time filled with cultural symbols and technological progress that, to the eyes of 2024, may appear as remnants of a past era. Contrasting Worlds: Back to the Future in 1984 - A Pixelated Era versus Today's Tech Oasis Let us embark on a journey down memory lane, contrasting the pixelated world of consumer technology in 1984 with the advanced technological paradise we live in today. The Cold War left a lasting impact, with the Berlin Wall as a prominent symbol, while the initial mobile phone call was made using a bulky device in stark contrast to today's pocket-sized supercomputers. MTV's debut revolutionized the music industry, and the inaugural Space Shuttle mission reached for the stars Contrasting Worlds: Back to the Future in 1984 - A Pixelated Era versus Today's Tech Oasis During the early 1980s, personal computers were gradually becoming popular in households. The pioneers of this era were the Commodore 64s and Apple IIs, known for their blocky graphics and cassette tape drives. It was a time when booting up a game required a floppy disk. Fast forward to today, and we have sleek laptops and desktops equipped with lightning-fast processors, terabytes of storage, and mind-boggling internet speeds. Video games have also come a long way, transitioning from pixelated sprites to immersive worlds that are just a click away. The advent of dial-up internet marked the beginning of online communities, characterized by slow and crackling connections. The nostalgic sound of modems connecting has now been replaced by instant messaging, video calls, and social media platforms, enabling seamless global communication and community building. Today, we can effortlessly send messages and share photos across the globe within milliseconds, a significant departure from the era of handwritten letters and telegram wires. Contrasting Worlds: Back to the Future in 1984 - A Pixelated Era versus Today's Tech Oasis The landscape of entertainment has transformed over the years. Back in 1984, VHS tapes brought a revolution to home entertainment, where renting a plastic case filled with magnetic tape was the norm for blockbuster nights. However, today's streaming services have completely changed the game, offering vast libraries of content that can be accessed instantly. Similarly, music lovers used to enjoy their favorite tunes on cassettes with Walkmans, which paved the way for the iPods and music streaming services we have today, providing personalized playlists tailored to our moods. Who can forget the days of rewinding and fast-forwarding tapes with a pencil? Reflecting on the progress made in computer and consumer technology between 1984 and 2024 reveals astonishing developments. The bulky, pixelated devices of the past have evolved into sophisticated tools that not only connect and entertain us but also monitor our health. It is intriguing to ponder what the future holds in the next four decades - perhaps flying cars, robot assistants, or even more remarkable innovations. Only time and the continuous advancement of technology will unveil the possibilities. Content Created on 4/30/2024 Nerdcore PC

Australia's dedication to technological progress is evident in the transformative evolution of computer support services. This blog explores the history of computer support in the country and highlights the importance of identifying hacking signs for home and business users. In the event that you believe you have been targeted by a cyber attack, it is imperative to seek expert help. You may want to contact nerdcore pc at 1300 637 326 for a complimentary phone consultation. Australia's journey in computer support has a rich history that spans several decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, computer support in Australia was initially limited and primarily relied on local tech enthusiasts and small businesses for assistance. The early systems were often complex, necessitating hands-on troubleshooting. With the increasing presence of computers in households and businesses, specialized computer support firms emerged during the 2000s. These firms provided a wide array of services, including hardware repairs and software troubleshooting, offering valuable assistance to users navigating the intricacies of modern computing. The 2010s marked a significant transition towards remote support and online services. During this period, there was a notable increase in the availability of tech support through phone consultations, remote desktop assistance, and online forums. Computer support in Australia has advanced in the 2020s to encompass specialized services like cybersecurity, data recovery, and managed IT services, shifting focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive problem prevention strategies. Identifying Indications of Unauthorized Access for Home and Business Users. For Home Users Uncommon Device Activity: Should your computer or smart devices exhibit irregular behavior or display indications of unauthorized access, it may indicate a hacking attempt. Pop-up ads that appear out of nowhere, sudden browser redirects, or alterations to your homepage could be signs of malware or a system that has been compromised. Monitor your online accounts regularly to detect any unusual or unauthorized activity, such as logins from unfamiliar locations. Stay vigilant and be aware of any unexplained account activity. Sluggishness: Engaging in hacking activities can put a strain on your system resources, resulting in decreased performance. If you notice a sudden decline in your computer's speed, it is advisable to investigate the cause. In the event that you discover your passwords have been altered without your awareness, it is a definite indication that your accounts might have been breached. For Businesses Keep a close eye on network logs to detect any abnormal or irregular activity patterns. An unexpected increase in activity or unexplained data transfers could signal a potential security breach. Monitor unauthorized access: Track user entry to critical systems. Numerous unsuccessful login tries or access from unfamiliar locations may indicate a potential cyber intrusion. Data anomalies refer to unexplained alterations or removals of data, particularly within vital systems, which may serve as a potential indication of a security breach. Phishing attacks remain a prevalent method for hackers to infiltrate business networks through employees falling for deceptive emails. Implementing routine cybersecurity training is crucial in reducing this vulnerability. The presence of ransomware messages that demand payment for data release indicates a ransomware attack targeting employees. Contact nerdcore computers for a free phone consultation If you have concerns about the security of your home or business systems, it is essential to seek professional help. nerdcore computers has extensive experience and knowledge in providing computer support. Contact us at 1300 637 326 for a complimentary phone consultation, during which our skilled professionals can evaluate your situation and assist you in taking the appropriate measures to address any potential security risks. Conclusion In Australia, the evolution of computer support reflects the country's commitment to offering effective solutions in the constantly changing technology landscape. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to be able to identify signs of hacking in order to protect their digital resources. If you require professional help, you may want to contact nerdcore computers for a complimentary phone consultation to proactively enhance the security of your digital space. Author Nerdcore Computers

Leveraging new technology is essential for maintaining your competitive edge in any industry, and this is no different when it comes to cafés and restaurants. Whether it’s a new POS system, updated table booking software, or a food ordering app for restaurants with no delivery service, there’s plenty of emerging technologies that offer significant benefits for your business. 8 café & restaurant technology trends you need to know about It’s no secret that 2020 disrupted the hospitality industry and accelerated new ways of doing business. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many cafés and restaurants to technologies like contactless payments and courier delivery services, that they may have been slow to adopt otherwise. 8 café & restaurant technology trends you need to know about Now, many cafés and restaurants have reinvented themselves around new technologies that enhance safety, improve operational efficiencies, open up new revenue streams, reduce their ecological footprint, and more. Keep reading to learn 8 café & restaurant technology trends you need to know about the top café and restaurant technology trends leading the industry in 2021. 1. Contactless ordering and payments To stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic, cafés and restaurants needed to prioritise social distancing between staff and customers. This has led to a rapid rise in the adoption of contactless ordering systems that allow customers to order and pay for their meal without leaving their table or directly interacting with a staff member. Contactless ordering systems sync with your point of sale and can automatically send tickets to kitchen display systems. This fundamentally alters the ordering process within your café or restaurant, with front of house staff no longer required to attend tables and write down orders. 8 café & restaurant technology trends you need to know about 2. Paperless kitchen display systems As public awareness around foodservice sustainability increases, cafés and restaurants have begun to reduce their environmental footprint by minimising waste in the kitchen. While most kitchen waste occurs during the food preparation stage, a significant amount of paper waste is created using traditional printed tickets to track orders. Kitchen display systems have been widespread in fast food establishments for decades since they made sense for rapid service of low-complexity food. Nowadays, independent cafés and restaurants are adopting kitchen display systems at an increasing rate after recognising the various benefits they bring. Kitchen display systems not only help to eliminate paper waste - but they also keep your kitchen better organised. A kitchen display system will also help you save money otherwise spent restocking thermal paper rolls for ticket printing machines. 3. Cloud point of sale systems Cloud-computing systems have led to massive efficiency gains for a wide range of industries, and your café or restaurant can benefit from them too. The previously mentioned contactless ordering and kitchen display systems become even more efficient when they form part of a network of systems that also cover workflows, inventory management, timesheets, accounting, and more. Leveraging cloud POS systems will allow you to foster better collaboration between BOH and FOH staff, keep payments secure, streamline the ordering of ingredients, and enjoy a wide range of other benefits. While training your team with these systems will inevitably cause some disruption, it’s worth doing in the long run if you want to stay as competitive as possible. 4. Digital customer loyalty programs Rewarding repeat customers is a proven tactic that you’re likely already using with your business, but is it operating as smoothly as it could? Rather than giving customers an easily misplaced and wasteful punch card or token, foodservice operators are switching to digital systems where customers can sign up, log in, and track their rewards using a QR code or mobile app. Please add the other benefit of being able to collect customer data to help with marketing offers etc. 5. Online ordering and delivery Food delivery apps like UberEats undoubtedly helped many foodservice operators stay active during the harsh lockdowns of 2020. With sit-down dining prohibited to stop the spread of COVID, the only way for many chefs to have their food enjoyed was to package it in a takeaway box and trust it with a courier. The necessity of facilitating online ordering and delivery has introduced an entirely new revenue stream for cafés and restaurants that previously never thought to offer this service. The nature of the gig economy has meant that there’s almost always delivery partners available nearby, so there’s no need to hire dedicated delivery staff, and this significantly reduces the cost of offering this service to your customers. 6. Voice recognition technology As voice recognition technology gets better at interpreting the intricacies of human speech, voice-activated ordering is being used to help provide a better ordering experience to customers. This technology can also be used in the kitchen, allowing chefs to control their kitchen display system, re-order stock, take notes, and do a variety of other tasks with greater efficiency. Voice recognition technology also makes ordering more accessible to people with disabilities. 7. Food traceability software COVID-19 also highlighted the importance of avoiding the contamination of ingredients through the adoption of food traceability software. Foodservice operators, their staff, and their customers all enjoy greater peace of mind when they have transparency regarding the origin of produce. Cafés and restaurants need to do their best to ensure what they serve meets health standards and that employees are doing their due diligence at every stage of the food preparation process. Failing to demonstrate a commitment to traceability and accountability is something that can harm your reputation and take customers from your business - whether somebody gets sick or not. 8. Bipolar ionisation and UVGI technology To help stop the spread of viruses and keep their kitchens open, foodservice operators have also started to invest in the latest air-cleaning technologies to use with their HVAC systems. The two main air-cleaning technologies being used today are ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and bipolar ionisation (BPI). UVGI uses ultraviolet light at a specific wavelength to degrade organic matter and neutralise bacteria. Bipolar ionisation is a newer technology that uses electricity to generate ions that work to either cluster around and destroy contaminants or bond with them to create a large mass that air filtration systems can target. Which trending technologies will you leverage? Although many of the technologies listed here were originally adopted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, they offer various other benefits that make them worth exploring outside of lockdown. Think about the technologies listed above and how adopting them can improve your service, draw in more customers, and raise your profits. Remember; don’t forget to chat with your staff to get their insight on which new technologies your café or restaurant should adopt. For example, if you’re thinking about investing in a kitchen display system, you need to consult your kitchen staff first since they’re the ones who will be using it.

Over the generations, technology has helped farmers deepen their stewardship of the land, improve the quality of their milk and ease the burden of farming. A hundred years ago, Tom Middlebrook’s ancestors were living and farming in relative isolation on Bowman Farm in Gloucester, on the mid north coast of New South Wales. Named for the Bowman River that runs through it, the farm was established by Tom’s great-grandfather, Percy Middlebrook. Back then it had no electricity, trips into town were rare and all the farm work was done by hand. Over the years, the Middlebrook family has tapped into advancements in technology to improve their farming practices. Second-generation farmer Allen (Tom’s grandfather) saw electricity arrive when power came through the Bowman area in the mid 1930s and purchased the farm’s first tractor a decade later. With third-generation farmer Trevor (Tom’s father) at the helm, a 270-megalitre dam and solar panels were introduced. That legacy of using technology to farm continues to this day, as dairy farmers across the industry turn to innovations such as precision drones, soil probes, robots and number-crunching apps to farm as holistically and efficiently as possible. Water security During an extended period of severe drought and intense bushfire, the farm was sustained by the 270-megalitre dam that Trevor installed in 2000. The dam collects rainwater runoff from the hill country around it and enabled Tom to keep his dairy herd alive. “When fire started bursting up everywhere in 2019, it felt like we were on Mars,” says Tom. “The dam meant we could keep the stock watered; we wouldn’t be here today without it.” Tom aims to increase water security by improving on-farm water collection and irrigation. In 2018 he became involved with the Department of Primary Industries’ Irrigating for Profit project, which helps farmers understand what’s going on below ground level so they can improve their irrigation planning and decision-making. The project involved installing moisture-measuring meters to a depth of 80cm. Using probes to measure moisture levels 15, 40 and 80cm below ground, data gets sent to a telemetry (data logging) unit, which is then available on Tom’s phone. “Every day I can check how much moisture is in the soil. And then I have the ability to make irrigation decisions on the back of that, because the reality is, once you see a physical effect in your pasture or crop, you're already two steps behind.” Precision farming Above the ground, drones are another modern technology helping farmers farm better. They can be used for monitoring crop health, spraying and seed spreading, for monitoring and mustering livestock, and for inspecting farms. Installed with advanced sensors that take images at different wavelengths (multispectral images), they can give detailed insight into how a crop is faring or where soil is dry. Drones can be especially useful on big farms like Tom’s which, at 800ha, takes a lot of time and effort to maintain – especially as Tom grows most of the food his cows need on Bowman Farm. This is economically preferable, as buying in feed to sustain a herd as large as Tom’s can cost thousands of dollars a day. It’s also a nutrition-based preference, as industry experts advise that high-quality forage crops should make up the bulk of a cow’s diet. So, in addition to the soil probes he uses to optimise soil conditions, Tom uses precision farming drones to protect his crops from pests and increase his chances of producing good pasture for his cows to forage on all year round. The name ‘precision farming’ alludes to the way drone technology enables farmers to program a drone to fly a particular flight path and height above crops, and seed drop or spray precisely where it’s most suited or needed. “It’s proved an effective way of keeping on top of destructive issues in our corn crops as they grow very tall and can’t be driven on with conventional tractors or vehicles,” Tom says. “Next season I plan to use drones for mapping, seeding and fertilising too.” Comfortable cows Beyond closely monitoring feed quality, dairy farmers like Tom are investing in herd-monitoring collars, which allow farmers to track the comfort and wellbeing of individual cows. Radio-frequency identification, accelerometer and microphone sensor technologies in the collars track eating and ruminating time. Together with temperature sensors, they can indicate things like illness, calving and heat stress. This provides valuable data for farmers to use in decision making. “It sends an alert to my phone if a cow is in distress, or if she’s calving. And then I can go and find that cow and make sure she's OK. It tells me things like how much time she's spent eating that day, how much she's walked – it’s kind of like a fitness tracker around her neck.” Elsewhere, a growing number of Australian dairy farmers are introducing robotic arms that spray disinfectant and emollient on cows’ teats after milking alongside their automatic milking systems. These protect against bacteria and help to keep cows in good health. During the floods of March 2021, road access to the farm was flooded and Tom, his family and cows were effectively stranded. This was hard on the cows because they had no dry ground to stand or lie down on. To avoid this in the future, Tom plans to build a state-of-the-art barn for his cows to “bunker down in” during periods of extreme weather. It will be capable of housing them for days or even weeks on end. Just like out in the field, in the barn the collars will help Tom keep a close eye on his cows, with their comfort and wellbeing in mind. Big Technology in Australian Dairy Dairy farming is more than collecting milk, and today’s equipment options reflect that. Dairy farmers and their workers have full schedules each day. The larger the herds, the more help needed with dairy farming’s day-to-day operations. To aid with the production and costs of dairy farming, a larger farm may be home to amazing technology consumers don’t know exist. From helping focus labor to providing extra luxuries to cows, this technology helps dairy farmers efficiently run their farm and control resources. Here are a handful of the different technologies that a modern dairy farmer may choose. Feed Robots It’s hard when your nose gets in the way of your food or, even worse, knocks a particularly yummy-looking selection out of reach. Instead of workers regularly coming through the barns to push the feed, some farms feature tech that continuously pushes feed up to the cows so they have a constant supply of food available. There’s also tech that automates food delivery. Cows can receive (within reason) as much food as they want when they want it. For the young ones, automated calf feeders provide nutrition by adjusting for the specific calf’s age as they wean off milk. Big Technology in Australian Dairy Milking Machines Cows are milked two to three times a day, and not by hand. Cows know when it’s time for a milking and line up at the milk parlor to be attached to the milkers that gently suck the milk out of the udders, waiting patiently while workers clean their udders. To reduce the time spent milking and cleaning the parlor, some dairy farms use a rotary milker, where cows essentially wait to ride a carousel to be milked and cleaned. They look forward to their milking times twice or thrice a day! Another milking method is through robotic milking. Cows are given access to robotic milk systems in their barn 24 hours a day, choosing when it’s time to be milked. Building off past data (and lasers!), equipment identifies the cow once she enters, sanitizes the udder, gently collects the milk and releases the cow when she is done milking, possibly giving her a treat of pellets. This lets the cow milk the normal 2 or 3 times a day, but it also means she can milk more if needed. Tracking Collars and Ear Tags Technology is nothing without the accessories. Electronic ID collars with a tracking chip give dairy farmers vital information about the cow, tracking everything from the number of times she chews her cud in a day to how much milk she makes. Fitbit-like pedometers worn by cows send updates about the daily activities of herds and send a notification when there’s a potential problem. This information combined with other systems like automated feeding and milking data helps monitor animal health. Tracking milk yields, feeding habits and the daily exercise of each cow provide individualized data that can be used in the early detection of changes in routine that may relate to their health or comfort. Being in the know helps farmers know the happenings on their farm, even helping detect when a cow is going into labor! Automatic Brushers Cow comfort is important, too! Cows live in barns with fans and misters that keep them cool. Their bedding is made of materials that are easy to clean and recycle so they always have a clean bed to sprawl on, perhaps even a waterbed. Equipment is run regularly to clean the floors of the barn to remove mud and muck. This and all the tech above benefits cows by ensuring they receive the best individualized care they can without learning to speak English, but they won't complain about extra comforts. A fun addition that may be included are automatic brushers. These brushers are placed around the barn. When a cow has an itch she just can’t scratch, she walks up and starts the brushes. These brushes may be used on cows, but they can be such hogs about their automatic scratcher. Author Nerdcore Pc

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a helpful tool for Mac users. It lets them connect to Windows PCs from any location. To use it, you must install the software on both your Mac and PC. To set up Microsoft Remote Desktop: Install the software on both devices. On your Mac, open the app and choose “New” to create a connection. Enter the PC name and user credentials. Once the connection is ready, you can start remote desktop sessions. Select the connection from the list and click “Start”. Then, enter the remote PC’s login credentials. You’ll be able to access the Windows computer’s desktop right from your Mac. Microsoft Remote Desktop offers even more features. You can customize display settings, adjust screen resolution, and use local resources. Pro Tip: To get the best performance, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and close unused apps. This will reduce lag and give you a smoother remote desktop experience. Understanding Microsoft Remote Desktop To understand Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac, familiarize yourself with its basic functionality, as well as the benefits it offers. In this section, we’ll delve into what Microsoft Remote Desktop is and why it’s valuable for Mac users. We’ll explore its features and advantages, including seamless connectivity and enhanced productivity. What is Microsoft Remote Desktop? Microsoft Remote Desktop is a helpful tool. It lets users access their computers remotely from another device. You can connect and control all your work or files from any place in the world. So, you can work productively even when far from your desk. Using Microsoft Remote Desktop offers lots of advantages. You can get important documents, open apps, and do tasks on your remote computer like you were at the desk. You don’t need to take storage devices with you, or use other unreliable file-sharing methods. Plus, it encrypts the connection between the local and remote devices. This ensures sensitive info stays safe, and stops anyone from accessing it without permission. And, it makes a reliable and stable connection, so you won’t have problems because of distance. To get the most from Microsoft Remote Desktop there are a few things to do: Make sure both devices have an active web connection with enough bandwidth for remote access. Update the remote desktop client software frequently for improvements and security updates. Use strong passwords for your login to avoid other people accessing your account. By taking these steps, you can use Microsoft Remote Desktop  without problems, and without compromising data security. Enjoy freedom and flexibility while still connected to your work from anywhere. Benefits of using Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac is a powerful tool with lots of benefits. It lets you access Windows apps and files from anywhere, making remote work a breeze. Productivity boost: Use RD on Mac and get the same Windows experience on your device – no disruption. Seamless integration: Connect to your PC or virtual machine and access files with ease. Flexibility and mobility: Remote access to your Windows desktop means you can work anywhere. Security features: RD employs NLA and encryption for keeping confidential info secure. How to Use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac You can even use multiple monitors with RD, for enhanced multitasking. No matter if you’re an entrepreneur or student, the benefits of using RD on Mac are endless. My friend recently used RD on his Mac. He’s a graphic designer and needed special Windows software. With the help of RD, he ran it directly from his Mac with no performance issues. It saved him time and the convenience of working from his favorite device. Setting up Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac To set up Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac, follow these steps and make use of the sub-sections as your solution. Start by downloading and installing Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac. Next, configure the Remote Desktop settings to ensure optimal performance. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to seamlessly use Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac for a smoother and more convenient computing experience. Downloading and installing Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac Microsoft Remote Desktop is an awesome tool for Mac users who need to access their Windows computers remotely. To get it, here’s what you must do: Go to the Mac App Store. In the search bar, type “Microsoft Remote Desktop”. When it appears in the search results, click its icon. Hit the “Get” button for the download and installation to start. Once done, click “Open” to launch Microsoft Remote Desktop. Follow the instructions on the screen to configure your remote connections. Now you can enjoy uninterrupted remote access to your Windows device from your Mac! It’s a convenient solution to work or access files from anywhere. For peak performance and security, here are some tips: Ensure your Mac and Windows PC have reliable internet connections. Keep both systems up-to-date with software patches and security updates. Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts related to Microsoft Remote Desktop. Enable two-factor authentication (if available) to further enhance security. These suggestions will make your experience with Microsoft Remote Desktop better and secure data from potential threats. Stay connected and productive with this awesome tool! Configuring Remote Desktop settings Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac! Then, select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu. Click the “Advanced” tab to access more settings. Personalize display resolution and keyboard shortcuts to fit your needs. Save and test for successful configuration. To get the most out of Remote Desktop, you can customize settings to match your requirements. This feature has been around since remote connections first became necessary. Microsoft developed it to meet users’ needs. It’s now a must-have for many professionals. Mastery of Remote Desktop settings means you can access desktops seamlessly. Experience the power of unrestricted connectivity. With this knowledge, you can boost your digital experience! Using Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac To efficiently use Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac, explore the following solutions within the “Using Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac” section. Connect to a remote Windows PC, navigate the Remote Desktop interface, transfer files between Mac and remote Windows PC, and troubleshoot common issues. These sub-sections will guide you through each aspect of utilizing Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac effectively. Connecting to a remote Windows PC To connect a Windows PC remotely using Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac, try this: Open the app on your Mac. Click “+” and select “Desktop” from the drop-down menu. Enter the name or IP address of the remote Windows PC. Set desired resolution, colors, and other preferences. Hit the “Add” button to save the connection. This method is secure and efficient for accessing a remote Windows PC from Mac. Microsoft’s technology ensures performance and security. The idea of remotely using a Windows PC from a Mac has been around for a while. Microsoft developed an app for macOS users to access their Windows-based systems remotely. Connecting to a remote Windows PC using Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac is useful. It integrates systems and offers users the flexibility to manage their computing environment across devices. Navigating the Remote Desktop interface To make navigating the Remote Desktop an effective experience, here are some steps: Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your Mac. Click the “+” at the top left corner to add a remote desktop connection. Fill in the details, such as PC name, IP address, username and password. Your connection will appear in the list on the main interface. Double-click it to start. Use the toolbar options at the top to interact with the remote desktop. Toggle full-screen/windowed mode, change display settings and access more features. Also, customize keyboard shortcuts and preferences in the app settings to have a unique experience. To optimize usage of Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac: Have a stable internet connection for smooth performance. Take advantage of multi-monitor support to expand your workspace across multiple screens. Adjust video playback settings for optimal streaming quality when accessing multimedia content remotely. By applying these tips and utilizing the features of Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac, you can navigate through the interface efficiently and make the remote desktop experience more productive and enjoyable. Transferring files between Mac and remote Windows PC Transferring files from Mac to a remote Windows PC is key for an efficient workflow. Follow these steps for a hassle-free transfer: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store. Install and launch it on your Mac. Click the “+” button to add a new remote desktop connection. Enter the PC name and user account credentials. Select the right connection and connect to the remote Windows PC. Transfer files between Mac and PC with drag-and-drop or copy-paste. For a smoother experience, ensure both Mac and remote PC have reliable internet. To increase security during transfers, consider using a virtual private network (VPN). Don’t forget to regularly update the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to enjoy the latest features. Microsoft Remote Desktop grants super-easy access to all your files across platforms. Fun Fact: Microsoft Remote Desktop won “Best of TechEd 2010 – Breakthrough Technology” award. It’s definitely a great tool for macOS and Windows file management! Troubleshooting common issues Having Microsoft Remote Desktop issues on your Mac? Follow these steps to get back on track! Check internet connection: Make sure it’s stable and reliable. Slow or intermittent internet can cause remote desktop issues. Verify server settings: Turn the server on and make sure it’s properly configured and accessible from your Mac. Update Remote Desktop: Keep your app up to date for optimal performance. Check for updates regularly and install them quickly. Plus: Firewall settings: Ensure the Remote Desktop app and its connections are not being blocked. Adjust settings if needed. Troubleshoot these issues now and enjoy efficient productivity. Resolving common issues quickly will prevent disruptions and save you from missing out on important tasks. Get started! Conclusion The article on how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac provides step-by-step instructions. It covers everything from installation to troubleshooting. So users can easily connect to their Windows machines remotely and access all their files and applications. The article highlights the importance of having both the Mac and Windows on the same network. This helps to avoid potential issues. It also suggests optimizing settings like screen resolution, audio quality, and keyboard shortcuts. For a better experience, make sure you have a reliable internet connection with enough bandwidth. Slow or unstable connections can cause delays. Additionally, it’s important to regularly update both the Mac and Windows with the latest system updates and security patches. Utilizing features like clipboard sharing between Mac and Windows allows easy file transfer. Exploring advanced functionalities such as multiple monitor support or printer redirection can also be beneficial. These suggestions help users maximize their utilization of Microsoft Remote Desktop on Mac. Set up your remote desktop today and enjoy the benefits! Author Nerdcore PC Other Links Install and setup Remote Desktop For Apple Mac Install Setup Remote Desktop Support

Find out which hosts and ports are required to use your Apple products on enterprise networks. This article is intended for enterprise and education network administrators. Apple products require access to the internet hosts listed in this article for a variety of services. Here's how your devices connect to hosts and work with proxies: Network connections to the hosts below are initiated by the device, not by hosts operated by Apple. Apple services will fail any connection that uses HTTPS Interception (SSL Inspection). If the HTTPS traffic traverses a web proxy, disable HTTPS Interception for the hosts listed in this article. Make sure your Apple devices can access the hosts listed below. Apple Push Notifications Find out how to troubleshoot connecting to the Apple Push Notification service (APNs). For devices that send all traffic through an HTTP proxy, you can configure the proxy either manually on the device or with Mobile Device Management (MDM). Devices can connect to APNs when configured to use the HTTP proxy with a proxy auto-config (PAC) file. Use Apple products on enterprise networks Device setup Apple devices need access to the following hosts during the setup process, or when installing, updating or restoring the operating system. Device management Apple devices enrolled in MDM need access to the following hosts and domains. Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager Administrators and managers need access to the following hosts and domains in order to administer and manage Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. Employees and students using Managed Apple IDs need access to the following host in order to look up others in their business or school when composing messages or sharing documents. Apple Business Essentials device management Administrators and devices managed by Apple Business Essentials need access to the following hosts and domains, along with those listed above for Apple Business Manager. Classroom and Classwork Student and Teacher devices using the Classroom or Classwork apps need access to the following hosts, as well as those listed in the Apple ID and iCloud sections below. Software updates Make sure that you can access the following ports for updating macOS, updating apps from the Mac App Store and for using content caching. macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS Apple devices need access to the following hosts when installing, restoring and updating iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. App Store Apple devices need access to the following hosts and domains for installing and updating apps. Network provider updates Mobile devices need access to the following hosts to install provider bundle updates. Content caching A Mac that provides content caching needs access to the following hosts, as well as the hosts listed in this document that provide Apple content, such as software updates, apps and additional content. Clients of macOS content caching need access to the following hosts. App features Apple devices may need access to the following hosts to use certain app features. App notarisation is required for apps to run on macOS 10.14 and later. Gatekeeper requires access to Apple servers to verify notarisation, unless the app developer has stapled the notarisation ticket to the app. App developers can find out more about customising the notarisation workflow. App validation is used to certify that a valid instance of the app is running. App developers can find out more about establishing an app‘s integrity. Beta updates Apple devices need access to the following hosts to sign in to Beta Updates and report feedback using the Feedback Assistant app. Apple diagnostics Apple devices may access the following host in order to perform diagnostics used to detect a possible hardware issue. Domain Name System resolution Encrypted Domain Name System (DNS) resolution in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, and macOS Big Sur and later uses the following host. Certificate validation Apple devices must be able to connect to the following hosts to validate digital certificates used by the hosts listed in this article. Apple ID Apple devices must be able to connect to the following hosts in order to authenticate an Apple ID. This is required for all services that use an Apple ID, such as iCloud, app installation and Xcode. iCloud In addition to the Apple ID hosts listed above, Apple devices must be able to connect to hosts in the following domains to use iCloud services. Siri and Search Apple devices must be able to connect to the following hosts to process Siri requests, including dictation and searching in Apple apps. Associated Domains Apple devices must be able to connect to the following hosts to use Associated Domains in iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS Big Sur and later. Associated Domains underpin universal links, a feature that allows an app to present content in place of all or part of its website. Handoff, App Clips and single sign-on extensions all use Associated Domains. Tap to Pay on iPhone To use a payment app to accept contactless payments, an iPhone must be able to reach the following hosts. Additional content Apple devices must be able to connect to the following hosts to download additional content. Some additional content may also be hosted on third-party content distribution networks. Firewalls If your firewall supports using hostnames, you may be able to use most Apple services listed above by allowing outbound connections to *.apple.com. If your firewall can only be configured with IP addresses, allow outbound connections to 17.0.0.0/8. The entire 17.0.0.0/8 address block is assigned to Apple. HTTP proxy You can use Apple services through a proxy if you disable packet inspection and authentication for traffic to and from the listed hosts. Exceptions to this are noted above. Attempts to perform content inspection on encrypted communications between Apple devices and services will result in a dropped connection to preserve platform security and user privacy. Content Distribution Networks and DNS Resolution Some of the hosts listed in this article may have CNAME records in DNS instead of A or AAAA records. These CNAME records may refer to other CNAME records in a chain before ultimately resolving to an IP address. This DNS resolution allows Apple to provide fast and reliable content delivery to users in all regions and is transparent to devices and proxy servers. Apple doesn't publish a list of these CNAME records because they are subject to change. You shouldn't need to configure your firewall or proxy server to allow them as long as you don't block DNS lookups and allow access to the hosts and domains named above. Recent changes July 2023: Removed the macOS version requirement for APN connectio

To use Remote Desktop, your administrator and client computers must meet these requirements: Mac computers must be running OS X 10.10.5 or later. Mac client computers must have version 3.6 or later of the Remote Desktop client software for full control. Although you may be able to control and observe Mac computers using earlier versions of the Remote Desktop client software, you can’t generate reports or execute remote commands. To find the client software version, when you’re using Remote Desktop, select the computer, choose File > Get Info, and look at the ARD Version field. To find the client software version on Mac computers you haven’t yet added to the All Computers list, go to the computer, locate the following file in the Finder, and check its version: /System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app Non-Mac client computers must have Virtual Network Computing (VNC)–compatible software. Install and set up Remote Desktop For Apple MAC When you install Remote Desktop and open it for the first time, use the setup assistant to finalize configuration. After configuration, you start administering computers by adding clients to the main list of computers. Download Remote Desktop  from the App Store. If you have another copy of Remote Desktop acting as a Task Server (a dedicated computer for report data collection and delegated install tasks), enter the server address, then click Continue. Prepare each client computer to be managed using Remote Desktop. The Remote Desktop client software is installed by default in macOS. Select the Scanner in the sidebar, and select each client computer that you want to add to your list of controlled computers. Install and set up Remote Desktop For Apple MAC You must then Add Clients Add clients to Remote Desktop To manage client computers using Remote Desktop, you must first add them to a computers list. The All Computer list shows all of the computers contained in all lists. When you add a computer to a list, it is also added to the All Computer list. You can use Bonjour to discover computers on your local subnet, if your local network’s routing devices allow multicast DNS (mDNS) packets on port 5353. To find computers that aren’t on the local subnet, your local network’s routing devices must be configured to pass network pings and TCP/UDP packets on ports 3283 and 5900. If your local network’s routing devices use Network Address Translation (NAT), you must know the mapping to the client computers’ remote management and screen sharing public ports. Add clients using Bonjour You can use Bonjour to display a list of computers in your default Bonjour domain with Remote Desktop enabled. Typically this includes only your local subnet, but it can also include other subnets. All other client discovery methods display computers regardless of whether they have Remote Desktop enabled. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose Bonjour from the pop-up menu. Drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing the user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Add clients using a directory server When you view the directory server scanner, you see all client computers that the Task Server knows about and that are organized in computer groups in the directory. You bind to directory servers in the Accounts pane of System Preferences. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose Directory Server from the pop-up menu. Drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing the user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Add clients by importing a file You can add a list of computers to the All Computers list by importing a file listing the computers’ IP addresses. The list can be in text file or spreadsheet format and must contain IP addresses or fully qualified domain names (such as abc.example.com). You can add a range of IP addresses by expressing the range in the following format: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx–yyy.yyy.yyy.yyy. For example, using a text file with “192.168.0.2–192.168.2.200” scans all IP addresses in that address range. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose File Import from the pop-up menu. Browse for the file by clicking the Open File button, or drag a file into the dialog. Alternatively, you can enter the file’s pathname in the File field. All responding clients are listed in the Remote Desktop window. Drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing the user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Add clients using network addresses You can add a computer to the All Computers list by entering its IP address or fully qualified domain name. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose Network Address from the pop-up menu. Enter the IP address or fully qualified domain name in the Address field, then click the Refresh button. Drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing the user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Add clients using IP addresses You can add a client directly to a computer list using the IP address or host name. In Remote Desktop , select a computer list in the sidebar of the main window, such as All Computers, then choose File > Add by Address. Enter the IP address or fully qualified domain name, enter the user name and password, then click the Advanced Options triangle. If the client computer uses Network Address Translation (NAT), enter the public ports that are mapped to the client in the Remote Management Port and Screen Sharing Port fields. Verify the name and password before adding the computer to the computer list, then click Add. Add clients using a local network When you choose the local network scanner, Remote Desktop sends a subnet broadcast to computers on the same subnets as the administrator computer. All possible clients on the local subnets appear in a list on the right side of the Remote Desktop window. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose Local Network from the pop-up menu. Drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing a user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Add clients using a network range You can query a range of IP addresses to look for clients. To locate computers by network range, you provide a beginning and ending IP address to scan, and Remote Desktop queries each IP address in that range in sequence, asking if the computer is a client computer. This method works best when searching for clients outside the local subnet but on the local area network. Alternatively, you can use a text file that contains IP address ranges (in this format: “192.168.0.1–192.168.3.20”), and import the file to find clients. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose Network Range from the pop-up menu. Enter the beginning and ending IP address, click the Refresh button, then drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing a user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Add clients known by the Task Server When you view the Task Server scanner, you see all client computers that the Task Server knows about. This list includes client computers that other Remote Desktop administrators have added. In Remote Desktop , select a scanner in the sidebar of the main window, then choose Task Server from the pop-up menu. Drag one or more computers to a computer list, such as All Computers. Authenticate by providing a user name and password for a Remote Desktop administrator. Author - Nerdcore PC - Remote Desktop Login for Mac Other Links: Remote Setup From Windows To Mac PC Remote Desktop Login Support - Software

According to Cooler Master, Sneaker X can be equipped to “accommodate the latest top-of-the-line CPU and GPU as well as an AIO cooler.” No price has been set for Sneaker X thus far, but you can expect to pre-order the custom gaming computers unit sometime in the third quarter of 2022. Cooler Master Unveils a Sneaker X - Shaped PC If you’re a sneaker enthusiast and aesthetically tired of your PC setup, Cooler Master has the solution for you. The Taiwananese computer hardware manufacturer will release a sneaker-shaped PC case, dubbed, Sneaker X, that is made to commemorate Cooler Master’s 30th anniversary. It’s difficult to gauge exactly how big the Sneaker X module is, but observing the size of the cooler inside leads one to believe that the unit is certainly larger than the average shoe. The case is based off the work of modder JMDF, which was first exhibited at the ‘Case Mode World Series’ held in 2020. Aesthetically speaking, the Sneaker X looks partly inspired by famous silhouettes recently made by Nike and Balenciaga and will come in three different colorways — blue, light blue and red. Cooler Master has unveiled a range of products to celebrate their 30th anniversary, with some being more unconventional than others. One standout product is Sneaker X, a PC case that is shaped like a sneaker. This unique design was initially created by modder JMDF and was featured in Cooler Master's Case Mod World Series 2020. Cooler Master claims that the Sneaker X case can hold the latest high-performance CPU and GPU, along with an AIO cooler. The video demonstrates a 600W power supply fitting inside, giving an idea of its size. However, it is possible that certain elements of the design have been altered in the Sneaker X compared to JMDF's initial design. Author Nerdcore PC - Custom Gaming Computers

Insights from the Nerdcore Cyber Threat Report In today’s interconnected world, where digital transformation is rapidly evolving, cyber threats continue to pose a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. The nerdcore Cyber Threat Report for 2024 sheds light on the evolving landscape of cyber attacks, offering valuable insights into the types of threats organizations can expect to face in the coming year. Let’s delve into some of the key takeaways from the report and explore the potential types of cyber attacks on the horizon. Small businesses are often targeted by cyber threats, being three times more vulnerable than larger organizations. Nerdcore cyber team dedication to providing up-to-date threat intelligence is essential, given that SMBs account for 80% of their user base. In 2023, there was a notable rise in cyber threats, with malware attacks increasing by 11% compared to the previous year. Encrypted threats saw a significant 117% increase, while crypto jacking surged by 659%. Surprisingly, never-before-seen malware detections decreased by 38%, indicating that attackers are focusing on refining existing methods rather than developing new ones. The global volume of malware attacks in 2023 hit 6.06 billion, the highest since 2019. Asia and Europe saw a decline in malware incidents, while North America and LATAM experienced increases of 15% and 30% respectively. Notably, malicious OneNote files emerged as a prevalent initial threat vector, highlighting threat actors' flexibility. The number of ransomware attacks decreased by 36% to 317.6 million year-over-year. However, Asia experienced a significant increase of 1,627% in ransomware volumes since 2019. Lock Bit continued to be a strong ransomware group, demonstrating innovation through bug bounty programs and frequent toolkit updates. Threat actors are still active, utilizing effective variants repeatedly for now. The number of intrusion attempts surged, hitting 7.6 trillion in 2023, marking a 20% rise from the year before. Malicious intrusion levels increased in different sectors, leading to alert exhaustion and the risk of data breaches. The number of encrypted attacks has more than doubled in 2023, reaching a total of 15.7 million. While North America experienced a 30% increase, Europe, Asia, and LATAM saw triple-digit spikes. Various industries, including healthcare, education, government, and retail, have witnessed significant surges in encrypted threats. Attackers are increasingly utilizing encryption protocols to conceal malware, ransomware, zero-day attacks, and more. Traditional security controls and older generation firewalls lack the capability to detect, inspect, and mitigate threats transmitted through HTTPs traffic. Therefore, businesses with outdated hardware and software are more vulnerable to attacks. To enhance your security, consider exploring nerdcore Computers Gen 7 layer configuration Firewalls and other licensing options, which offer affordable solutions for businesses of all sizes. Weve got your back. Dont worry about that. In 2023, the number of crypto jacking incidents surged by an astounding 659%, totaling 1.06 billion cases. Among the favored tools for these attacks, XMRig, originally a legitimate software, was frequently exploited by malicious actors. The detrimental impact on both the environment and finances highlights the gravity of this escalating menace. Anticipating 2024 2. The upcoming year of 2024 is on the horizon, with threat actors increasingly utilizing advanced technologies. This evolution in the threat landscape is projected to bring about rapid changes, particularly with the integration of AI in enhancing phishing tactics, carrying out sophisticated Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, and creating harmful code, presenting defenders with fresh obstacles to overcome. 1. Suggestions for Improved Cybersecurity 2. Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to bolster security. 3. Stay proactive in applying patches promptly to prevent exploit attempts. 4. Regularly conduct security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. 5. Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices for a vigilant workforce. 6. Scan all network traffic, especially encrypted traffic, for potential threats. 7. Extend security measures to the cloud with Security Service Edge (SSE) and Zero-Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA). 8. Update security appliances and software to stay ahead of evolving threats. 9. The nerdcore Cyber Threat Report for 2024 emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to combat cyber threats effectively. Contact us for a security assessment or explore our latest products for enhanced protection against cyber attacks. Author# nerdcore computers

What's shaping the future of wireless networking technology? The landscape of network connectivity is ever-changing for businesses across various industries. While networking vendors introduce new technologies, external events such as the COVID-19 pandemic also impact the way Future of Wireless Connectivity Wifi 7 2024 networking professionals carry out their responsibilities. The current period is marked by a convergence of different elements that will determine future developments. This piece explores the modernization of networks, focusing on Wi-Fi within the corporate environment, amidst the ongoing redefinition of enterprises. Many wireless LAN vendors are transitioning towards a cloud-centric approach. - The need for WLAN controllers is diminishing as vendors embrace centralized management. - WLAN models are undergoing significant changes as vendors adapt to new trends. The evolution of Wi-Fi appears to be moving towards cloud-based management, particularly with the utilization of virtual LAN aggregation tools such as the Mist Edge appliance to streamline Layer 2 necessities in large-scale networks. Traditional on-site management systems and controller stacks are gradually fading away, allowing engineers to focus on their expertise in WLAN rather than solely managing hardware components. The radio technology is undergoing various advancements in the realm of wireless networks. In the United States, the inclusion of 6 GHz in the 802.11ax standard, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi 6E, is generating significant excitement and will also be incorporated into Wi-Fi 7. The recent expansion in WLAN spectrum allocation has the potential to significantly impact the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with the emergence of the 6 GHz band through the latest APs. 2. Device manufacturers are recognizing the importance of tailoring wireless devices to specific needs, with the development of purpose-specific devices for Private 5G, Long-Range WAN, 60 GHz, and other unlicensed frequencies below 1,000 MHz. 3. WLAN administrators should broaden their knowledge of access technologies beyond Wi-Fi to adapt to the evolving landscape of wireless communication. Switch manufacturers have long been attempting to convince WLAN customers that they require faster switchports and increased Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, resulting in more expensive Ethernet ports. However, with the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7, network administrators must now contemplate uplink ports to access points (APs) that can offer connectivity speeds of 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, or 10 Gbps, along with more robust PoE support than ever before. Enterprises are increasingly considering pricier switches in the future, but the demand for Ethernet switches may decrease as more devices transition to high-speed wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for wired connections in many environments. Future of Wireless Connectivity Wifi 7 2024 The COVID-19 pandemic brought about numerous challenges for networks, particularly in terms of transitioning employees to remote work. The traditional routine of workers commuting to the office and utilizing the enterprise LAN has undergone a permanent transformation. Nowadays, it has become customary to facilitate hybrid or fully remote staff using various approaches. Certain access points have the ability to connect back to the main network and expand the corporate service set identifier to home networks, allowing for centralized management of distributed access points. In other cases, environments utilize Microsoft's Active Directory features or similar tools to enable automatic VPN functionality on devices managed by the organization. Remote users are becoming increasingly common, and as central WLAN systems are upgraded, new services are typically introduced to ensure that remote employees have access to secure and reliable Wi-Fi connections to stay productive and connected. Author Nerdcore Computers Service Centre

Discovering the best games to engage in during 2024 is a thrilling adventure for enthusiasts meticulously crafting their gaming environments with custom computer builds, custom PCs, and custom gaming computers. The evolving landscape of computer games The Best Computer Games To Play continually raises the bar, demanding more from gaming PC builders who are eager to match these advancements with high-performing rigs. Whether you are assembling a monstrous setup to delve deep into the intricacies of visually stunning games like Elden Ring or require a more balanced build to enjoy the strategic depths of Baldur's Gate 3, the requirements vary significantly. The adaptability of custom gaming computers ensures that whether you're battling it out in the timeless arenas of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or crafting worlds in Minecraft, your experience remains unparalleled. The Best Computer Games To Play As the choices for gaming expand, the significance of aligning your gaming pc with the titles you cherish most has never been more crucial, ensuring every pixel and frame rate is experienced as intended. If you're considering upgrading your PC or starting a new build to enhance your gaming experience, be sure to consult our comprehensive step-by-step guide for building a gaming PC. Along with this, we have curated a specialized list highlighting the best Steam Deck games currently available, providing you with a selection of top-tier titles to enjoy. For those in need of accessories to complement their setup, explore our meticulously compiled roundups showcasing the finest gaming keyboards, gaming mice, and PC gaming headsets on the market. Consider these resources to optimize your gaming setup and take your gaming sessions to the next level. Another chapter in the mind-bending Remedy universe, Alan Wake 2 picks up right where the cult classic left off more than a decade ago. Alan is trapped in the Dark Place and his only way out is to write his own story. His campaign takes place alongside a concurrent one with FBI agent Saga Anderson, and the two complimentary campaigns can be played together in any order. The lightly spooky elements of the first game turn much darker here, for a horror experience full of unforgettable moments. Apex Legends has solidified its position as the top battle royale game with its refined gameplay and diverse roster of characters. Respawn Entertainment's foundation in FPS games shines through in the sharp gunplay and strategic elements present in the game. With multiple maps, game modes, and a deep lore to keep players engaged, Apex Legends offers a comprehensive experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The free-to-play model makes it accessible to all players, allowing everyone to enjoy the thrill of being the last one standing. The triumphant return of a legacy CRPG series is also one of the best games of 2023. While Baldur's Gate 3 is also available to play on PS5, the PC version is the clear leader thanks to its intuitive keyboard-and-mouse controls--and it's a welcome return to form for longtime Baldur's Gate fans. This fantasy tale is set in the Dungeons in the tone of None. One of the most original games of recent memory, Before Your Eyes has a simple premise that hinges on your ocular organs controlling the entire experience through a webcam. It's a short jaunt of a game that chronicles the life of a recently deceased person that you play as, but the catch here is that every time you blink, time moves forward. It's a terrific idea, incredibly well-implemented, and ties in perfectly with themes of memories, life, and storing those precious moments within ourselves. Unusual but packing a heavyweight emotional punch, you won't want to take your eyes off of this game for a single instant. The Case of the Golden Idol immerses players in a world of intrigue and mystery, challenging them to solve puzzles and unravel a captivating story. The game's unique narrative-building mechanic keeps players engaged as they piece together clues and uncover the truth behind the golden idol. With the addition of DLC, fans can continue to enjoy new mysteries and stories while honing their detective skills. Color Gray games has created a memorable experience that delights fans of classic adventure games. First released in the '90s, Sid Meier's Civilization series is still going strong in 2021, thanks to continued support for its most recent release, Civilization VI. As in previous games, Civilization VI casts you in the role of a historical leader, such as Egypt's Cleopatra or India's Gandhi, and tasks you with building your civilization from the ground up, including growing your military, developing new research facilities, and engaging in diplomacy with other world leaders. Of course, Civilization VI expanded and improved on previous games in the series, with additions such as the inclusion of districts that let cities expand across multiple tiles, but it's also continued to receive new content in the form of two major expansions: Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm, both of which added new leaders, civilizations, and features to the game. Civilizatio Cocoon - A tiny bug in a big world surrounded by puzzles. In this game from a new studio founded by key Limbo developers, you're a small cicada-like creature exploring the wilderness with limited movement and only specially powered orbs to help. But nested inside the noodle-tickling puzzle mechanics is an artful, subtle message about self-improvement and how one forms their identity, making it a can't-miss. Control's blend of action, mystique, and the surreal is one that should not be missed, and while it's available on PS5 and Xbox Series X, you'll find no version better than that of the PC. The pairing of DLSS and ray-tracing makes Control a visual powerhouse, reflecting its impressive effects on the surface of the Oldest House's pristine waxed floors and shrouding its mysterious hallways in the uncertainty of shadow. And that's all accented by supernatural fights that can pop off at a moment's notice in any one of these enigmatic rooms as the world shifts and morphs around you. What makes Control truly special is exploring the unknown and uncovering secrets the world isn't supposed to know. The Ultimate Edition gets you both pieces of DLC, AWE and The Foundation The iconic competitive FPS is still going strong today with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Though CSGO has undergone significant changes over its lifespan, it's still very much the core Counter-Strike experience that revolutionized the multiplayer FPS genre in the 2000s. The standard mode of play is a five-on-five demolition-style match on carefully crafted maps that emphasize specific positioning, sightlines, and team strategies. But beyond that, there's a hostage rescue mode, gungame free-for-all, and tons of custom content from years of work by its player base. 2. One of the most exciting things about CSGO is the high-intensity competitive matches where the slightest mistakes could spell doom for your team, or clutch plays could drastically shift the momentum of a match. Counter-Strike has historically been played with a level of precision in both the FPS combat and in its tactics, which makes a bit of a steep learning curve for newcomers. However, in the tone of None Cyberpunk 2077 had a divisive launch that by all accounts failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on it. But CD Projekt Red didn't abandon the game, instead issuing a steady stream of updates culminating in September 2023's massive 2.0 update that overhauls many major systems, while also integrating the new Phantom Liberty DLC. The Cyberpunk of today is a sharper, more focused action-RPG with a greater variety of skills that let you navigate Night City your own way. The Phantom Liberty expansion received a 10/10 in our review, adding new systems and a compelling new story featuring Idris Elba. Best of all, it's still a gorgeous showpiece for your PC rig, so there's never been a better time to dive in. Arkane Studios has solidified its reputation as a premier developer of first-person shooter games with the release of Deathloop. This game not only excels in delivering well-crafted action, but also boasts a rich and engaging narrative that keeps players hooked from start to finish. 2. Deathloop's unique premise of a time loop where the player must break the cycle by assassinating key targets is not only inventive, but adds a layer of complexity and strategy to the gameplay. 3. The game's cast of characters is memorable and well-developed, with each one adding depth to the overall story. 4. With its hidden secrets, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Deathloop stands out as a top contender for game of the year Despite releasing more than nearly five years ago, Destiny 2 remains one of the most popular live service multiplayer games around. While the sequel started off on a strong note, it has only gotten better thanks to consistent updates and expansions that delivered a steady stream of enthralling first-person shooter content. And it's not even close to being too late to jump into Destiny 2, as more content is coming through 2023. Destiny 2's plethora of content would be nothing without strong mechanics and overarching systems that keep you grinding away for new gear. Bungie crafted one of the best-feeling first-person shooters we've played in recent years, so it offers a constant source of fun regardless of whether you're making your way through story missions, going on challenging raids with friends, or battling in the Crucible. It's a wonderful game that digs its teeth into you the more you play, and it's easily one of the best cooperative PC games available today. When it comes to writing, Disco Elysium is perhaps unrivaled. Developed and published by ZA/UM in 2019, Disco Elysium places you in the role of a detective suffering from amnesia and a serious bout of alcoholism. His quest to unravel a baffling murder and the details of his life that he's forgotten takes you on an absolutely stunning adventure that thrives on its choice-based gameplay and exquisite dialogue. Disco Elysium balances humor and serious life dilemmas with astounding grace, and the freedom it gives you to shape the narrative and your interactions with its many colorful characters you meet allows you to make this detective story your own. Its gorgeous world is teeming with life, and viewing it from the eyes of a nameless cop with memory issues makes it all the more immersive. It earned a rare 10/10 from GameSpot, and we can safely say there's nothing else exactly like it in modern PC gaming. Building on the already-brilliant formula of its predecessor, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an all-time great RPG, giving you a huge range of freedom in how to build your party, deal with a combat scenario, and approach a given situation. It's a game best played on PC, thanks to its crisper visuals, the precision of using a mouse, and faster loading times, which encourage you to experiment with its wide range of possibilities. While truly a great game overall, much of the fun in Divinity stems from seeing what you can get away with, be it stealing items or avoiding a lengthy combat encounter by setting up an elaborate trap. Experience with earlier entries in the series aren't required to enjoy Original Sin 2, and as the best entry to date, this is an ideal place to start--just be prepared to lose dozens of hours to it. Dota 2 is not only one of the more daunting PC games to learn and master, but it's also one of the most rewarding and satisfying to play once you know what you're doing. Two teams of five assault each other as they try to destroy the opposing team's Ancient. It sounds simple, but the strategic depth is vast, and there's a lot to learn if you want to keep up. It requires learning the map, getting familiar with the vast array of characters, and mastering their mechanics to be successful. Of course, if this wasn't an exciting process, it wouldn't be as popular as it is--and if you haven't seen a match play out at The International, then you're missing out. A strong contender for the best game of 2022, From Software's latest dip into dark fantasy and brutal combat is the studio at its very best. The Lands Between are a massive sandbox in which to explore as a newly-risen Tarnished warrior, and every corner of this world hides a secret that'll take you down a path of danger in exchange for fascinating lore and powerful rewards. While Elden Ring doesn't stray too far from the usual From Software formula, it does polish the elegant gameplay and signature style of that studio to a mirror finish that's beautiful to behold and loaded with dozens of hours of content to dive into. It's true that since its release in 2012, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been ported to just about every platform that can play games, including Amazon Alexa speakers and smart refrigerators. But the king of all Skyrim versions is the one on PC, and it's not even close. That's because the PC version gives you access to years of mods created by the Skyrim community. From adding serious RPG story content to providing ridiculous possibilities like replacing all dragons with Thomas the Tank Engine, the PC version of Skyrim adds nearly endless options to an already expansive, enormous game. You absolutely should play Skyrim on PC if you haven't, and you absolutely should mod it to see how the game has become so much more than it was when it was released. Skyrim is also available with Xbox Game Pass for PC. The Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters are a nostalgic blast from the past, bringing back the magic of the early days of the beloved franchise. Square Enix has meticulously restored each game to its original glory, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers alike can enjoy the timeless gameplay and charming pixel art that defined these classics. With added features and improvements from past releases, these remasters offer the perfect way to experience the origins of Final Fantasy in all their retro glory. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, the Pixel Remasters are a must-have for any fan of the series. The first chapter in a mammoth project, Final Fantasy VII Remake blends new and old ideas to create a uniquely nostalgic and fresh take on what is considered by many to be the greatest video game of all time. Jaw-droppingly gorgeous to look at, the return of Cloud Strife and pals to the world of Midgar is a cinematic masterpiece that combines explosive blockbuster moments with fun action-RPG elements. While some story beats have stayed the same, Final Fantasy VII Remake also takes time to make some crucial changes to the plot, setting this project up to deliver some massive surprises down the road when the Avalanche crew embarks on a road trip that'll decide the fate of the world. The Final Fantasy series is known for having a strong focus on storytelling with colorful characters who get into over-the-top battles, and the MMO Final Fantasy XIV manages to stay true to what the series is all about. Though you might assume the familiar Final Fantasy tenets of storytelling and strong character moments would be absent in an online game, FFXIV is one of the more story-driven MMOs out today. Final Fantasy XIV is the franchise's second crack at an MMO, and it features a sprawling story about rebellion, equality, and friendship that manages to hit the same highs of the franchise's best single-player games. Though MMOs have a reputation for being inaccessible and time-consuming, Final Fantasy XIV offers an excellent gateway for lapsed and new MMO players to jump into--and it's also a fantastic Final Fantasy game in its own right. Few games capture the thrill of driving like Forza Horizon 5, set in the vibrant landscape of Mexico. With a wide array of vehicles, activities, and rewards for speed demons, the game never fails to deliver excitement from start to finish. It strikes the perfect balance between heart-pounding showcase events and moments of personal reflection, highlighting the deep connection between player and car. Forza Horizon 5 is a must-play for any fan of racing games looking for an exhilarating and immersive experience. Even if it took a few years, the wait for one of the best PlayStation games on the market to hit PC was well worth it. While previous God of War games emphasized gratuitous violence and a character with the personality of a very angry cardboard box, Sony's reinvention of Kratos helped create a more nuanced and layered hero. That doesn't mean that there wasn't a satisfying amount of carnage to engage in, though, as developer Sony Santa Monica expanded on Kratos' brutal abilities in methodical ways and gave him plenty of new tools to play with in a Nordic sandbox. Even if it took a few years, the wait for one of the best PlayStation games on the market to hit PC was well worth it. While previous God of War games emphasized gratuitous violence and a character with the personality of a very angry cardboard box, Sony's reinvention of Kratos helped create a more nuanced and layered hero. That doesn't mean that there wasn't a satisfying amount of carnage to engage in, though, as developer Sony Santa Monica expanded on Kratos' brutal abilities in methodical ways and gave him plenty of new tools to play with in a Nordic sandbox. As far as roguelikes go, Hades is among the best. It nails the loop of jumping into the underworld and fighting your way out of Hell, providing players with an arsenal of unique weaponry and powers fit for a god (and borrowed from many of the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus). However, it's the slower moments in which you visit the friends and family of protagonist Zagreus between runs that grab hold and keep you fighting for the truth. In most roguelikes, you care solely about making it further than your last run, but Hades does more: It blends action and story, striking a delicate balance of clawing your way toward the overworld and growing your relationships. Years in the making, the return of Master Chief saw the legendary hero hit the ground running with a new and epic adventure. Even after a lengthy amount of hibernation, Master Chief's newest odyssey shows no signs of ring rust and is augmented by a few new tricks up his Mjolnir-armored sleeve. While the main single-player campaign is a treat that's packed with massive setpieces and satisfying action, the multiplayer side is no slouch other and offers a ton of modes to try out. If you're feeling competitive or nostalgic, Halo Infinite hits a sweet spot for fans looking to revisit a franchise that has matured with them over the years. IO Interactive's grand World of Assassination trilogy reached its final chapter in 2021, as Hitman 3 built on the efforts made by its predecessors to create a perfectly executed experience. Bigger, bolder, and more cunning than ever, Agent 47's journey around the world saw him explore an opulent Dubai skyscraper, solve a murder mystery in an ancient British mansion, and turn a train into a slaughterhouse as he worked his way through each cabin. Each destination offers not only some devilishly delicious ways to eliminate targets, but also plenty of room for experimentation that leads to hilarious and grim demises for anyone who gets in your way. Inscryption is a unique blend of tabletop card games and deckbuilding, where players risk their lives in a suspenseful game of survival. The game also features roguelite progression, mystery, and a unsettling art style that adds to its overall charm. The strange and captivating nature of Inscryption ensures that players will be thinking about it long after they've finished playing, making it a truly unforgettable gaming experience. League of Legends is a popular competitive game known for its strategic combat, mechanical depth, and diverse cast of characters. It's easy to become engrossed in match after match of this MOBA due to its engaging gameplay. Despite the complexity of the game, it is more accessible than Dota 2, making it a great entry point for those new to the world of MOBAs. Loop Hero is a game that defies traditional genre labels, blending RPG elements with deck-building mechanics and strategic gameplay in a way that feels remarkably fresh and innovative. Whether you're exploring the looped world or carefully crafting your deck of cards, there's plenty to keep you engaged and challenged for hours on end. The game's unique blend of familiar mechanics and new ideas makes for a truly captivating experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression on players. If soaring through the air and flying around the world is a dream of yours, there's no better game than Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can fly out of almost any airport in the world, including smaller airports in quieter towns, and go literally anywhere on Earth--though landing may be difficult in places like the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest. Microsoft used satellite imagery to recreate the world in-game, and it's improving both the game and map all the time. If there was ever a reason to invest in a flight stick or yoke system, it's Microsoft Flight Simulator. The game is available via Xbox Game Pass for PC. Minecraft is a global phenomenon for a reason. Its crafting, base building, and survival-lite mechanics are unmatched, providing both an engaging and accessible experience to people of all ages and walks of life. Crafting huge castles, cozy homes, or monuments to your favorite video game character is a joyful time, while venturing toward the Nether is a tense experience that you're not sure you'll return from. Whether you're building up a huge tower or exploring the depths of the perilous mines, Minecraft remains an exciting time that can be enjoyed with friends or by yourself. Just make those Creepers don't get too close to your house. Monster Hunter Rise After Monster Hunter World set a new benchmark for what the Capcom series was capable of, Monster Hunter: Rise had some big dragon leather boots to fill. Monster Hunter Rise is a showcase of what happens when you take the lessons learned from something new and apply it to an older example of Monster Hunter greatness, as the newest game in the series expertly shifted back to all-out action. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise's port to PC came with a ton of free post-launch content, graphical upgrades, and performance enhancements that make this version the definitive edition of an already fantastic game. A gonzo take on Wario Land platformers, Pizza Tower was a success that gathered fans through its early access period and then exploded once it was released in full. Peppino Spaghetti has a similar move set to Wario, but this take gives him a boost of speed and agility that makes Pizza Tower center around lightning reflexes and speedy runs through the stages. The art style looks straight out of a 1990s Nickelodeon cartoon, with a soundtrack to match. Portal 2 is a truly remarkable game that manages to blend humor, storytelling, and mind-bending puzzles into a seamless experience. The game's witty dialogue and well-developed characters make it an absolute joy to play, while the innovative gameplay mechanics keep you constantly engaged and challenged. Not to mention, the addition of online and local co-op, as well as user-created content, adds even more depth and replayability to an already fantastic game. Playing Portal 2 on PC allows players to access a wealth of additional content and mods, making it the definitive way to experience this beloved title. If you're a fan of puzzle games or just looking for a truly unique gaming experience, Portal 2 is a must-play. For the ultimate experience in zombie apocalypse realism, nothing competes with Project Zomboid. The isometric survival game is perhaps most like DayZ, but is somehow even more hardcore, with things like hunger, wounds, and fatigue being deadlier than similar systems in other games, and the purest depiction of how, in real life, even just a single zombie would likely spell your doom. It's a PC exclusive, so it's sorta great on PC by default, but given the sheer number of mechanics involved here, a mouse and keyboard setup feels right at home, though the game is fully playable on controller and even Steam Deck too. Rainbow Six Siege is a strategic masterpiece, blending intense first-person shooting with clever planning and teamwork. Teams of five clash in a battle for control of various buildings, each with different objectives like capturing a point, defusing bombs, or rescuing hostages. Success in Siege relies on knowing the maps inside and out, as well as working seamlessly with your teammates to achieve victory. The game values intelligence and strategy over mere shooting skills, making it a refreshing challenge for players looking to exercise their tactical prowess. Playing on PC with a keyboard and mouse offers the most precise and fluid experience, enhancing the already high stakes of each match. . Red Dead Redemption 2 is truly a masterpiece in the world of video games, offering a captivating story that dives deep into the lore of the Wild West. The expansive world allows players to explore every nook and cranny, discovering hidden secrets and engaging in all sorts of activities. With stunning visuals and immersive gameplay, this game transports players to a time and place unlike any other. Whether you are embarking on missions, hunting wildlife, or simply admiring the scenery, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an experience like no other in the gaming world. Capcom's venerable Resident Evil series has been progressively producing remakes of its classic library, but none of them held the expectations and weight of Resident Evil 4. It's long been regarded as one of the best survival-horror games of all time, and a trendsetter for the action-focused style of the genre. Capcom approached this remake especially cautiously, giving it a light touch of upgrades that make the whole experience feel modern without losing its soul. It's also never looked more beautiful, so you can see the horrific monstrosities of Las Plagas with newfound fidelity. Return of the Obra Dinn is a meticulously crafted puzzle game that thrusts players into a baffling mystery. As an insurance adjuster tasked with unraveling the deaths on a long-lost ship, players must piece together clues in order to identify each victim and determine the circumstances surrounding their demise. The game presents players with a complex web of interconnected puzzles, offering a challenging and immersive experience that will captivate and intrigue gamers from start to finish. The stark black-and-white visuals and unique storytelling style only serve to enhance the overall atmosphere, making for an unforgettable gaming experience. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, developed by From Software, offers a new take on the action-adventure genre with its innovative gameplay mechanics. In this game, blocking attacks becomes a strategic element, adding depth to every encounter. Boss battles are intense tests of skill, requiring precise timing and quick reflexes to emerge victorious. The PC version allows for modding, allowing players to customize their experience by speeding up gameplay or even playing as unconventional characters. The lack of an easy mode has sparked debate, but the modding community offers a solution for players looking to adjust the difficulty to their liking. Overall, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice delivers a challenging and engaging experience for fans of the genre. The unfortunate swan song for the tactics genre experts at developer Mimimi, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew let the studio leave on a high note. Starring a cast of cursed pirates aboard a living ghost ship, you'll have to use stealth and your wits to take down legions of Inquisition troops. Each of the crew has their own otherworldly powers and specializations, making it engaging to experiment with different combinations of abilities to take down the enemy without being seen. Shadow Gambit also learns from its predecessors by implementing save scumming into the story, making it that much more satisfying to pull off a perfect plan--and less punishing when you make a mistake. The Best PC Games To Play In 2024 Only The Stanley Parable, a nearly unexplainable game where things get regularly weird and meta, could get away with hiding what amounts to a sequel within the frame of an expanded re-release of the original game. Like the original title, the strange and hilariously distracted nature of The Stanley Parable is something that you have to experience for yourself, as words simply do not do it justice. With the Ultra Deluxe edition, you're getting an experience that feels like a game within a game, adding the illusion of freedom and other surprises along the way. It's nothing short of a clever and thought-provoking examination of video games and the relationship that we have with them. It starts with an old broken-down farm and a handful of seeds. You clear out the weeds and rocks until you get tired, and then you do it again. You get into the rhythm of daily life--visiting friends, watering crops, occasional light spelunking. Before you know it, it's been 75 hours and you're mostly managing your complex irrigation system and planning for next season's harvest. Stardew Valley is a friendly, relaxing experience that also somehow manages to be endlessly addicting. Fans know the feeling of assuring themselves they'll play just one more day before bed. And while it's appeared on just about every platform, PC often gets the first chance to test all of the little quality-of-life tweaks and new features that come with patches--most recently the massive 1.5 update appeared on PC almost two months before consoles. Plus, there's a huge library of mods that let you tweak various gameplay elements, give the game a new aesthetic, and even add extensive new content in the tone of None. Starfield is a highly anticipated RPG from Bethesda, the studio known for their popular Fallout and Elder Scrolls franchises. The game brings players into a new spacefaring setting, offering a fresh take on the familiar RPG formula. With diverse biomes, space combat, and refined gunplay featuring boost packs for added mobility, players can expect a truly immersive experience. Available on Xbox and PC, the PC version offers additional customization options through console commands and mods, allowing players to tailor the game to their preferences. Starfield promises to deliver an exciting and unique gameplay experience for fans of the genre. The Talos Principle 2 is a captivating sequel that continues to deliver a thought-provoking experience through its blend of intricate puzzles and philosophical musings. Players are once again drawn into a world that challenges their perceptions and forces them to confront deep existential questions. While the first game set the stage, the sequel demonstrates that Croteam is adept at keeping players engaged and eager to unravel the mysteries of the world they find themselves in. The balance between gameplay and introspective contemplation is expertly maintained, making The Talos Principle 2 a standout title in the puzzle genre. If Death's Door didn't satiate your hunger for a Zelda-like adventure, then Tunic is well-equipped to fill you up with some nostalgic and cathartic gameplay. Not just an homage to Zelda games of the NES and SNES eras, Tunic's familiar green clothing and swordplay in a vibrant and colorful world is balanced by a collection of amazing puzzles and challenges that require quick reflexes and superb wits. Evocative of a bygone time and somehow still feeling like a completely fresh take on the subject matter, this love letter to the past was years in the making and more than delivers on its elevator pitch of exploration and wonder. If Death's Door didn't satiate your hunger for a Zelda-like adventure, then Tunic is well-equipped to fill you up with some nostalgic and cathartic gameplay. Not just an homage to Zelda games of the NES and SNES eras, Tunic's familiar green clothing and swordplay in a vibrant and colorful world is balanced by a collection of amazing puzzles and challenges that require quick reflexes and superb wits. Evocative of a bygone time and somehow still feeling like a completely fresh take on the subject matter, this love letter to the past was years in the making and more than delivers on its elevator pitch of exploration and wonder. A puzzle game built around a mechanic that feels like magic, Viewfinder has a remarkable wow-factor that alone puts it on this list. The concept is simple enough: You take a photo and when you place a picture against the environment, you can walk into it. That allows you to create a bridge where there was none before, or walk into a completely different art style than the rest of the environment. When the game gives you your own camera, and starts introducing different ways to apply its simple rule set, the mind bending puzzles grow more complex.

The Complete List of Data Breaches In Australia For 2018 – 2024 Preventing data breaches requires a multi-faceted approach that includes implementing robust cybersecurity measures, conducting regular security audits, educating employees on data security best practices, and staying informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities. By taking proactive steps to protect sensitive information, organizations can reduce the risk of a data breach and safeguard their reputation and financial well-being. In the event of a data breach, swift and effective response is crucial to mitigate the damage and prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data. The Complete List of Data Breaches In Australia For 2018 – 2024 GaP Solutions – March 2024 GaP Solutions bit by LockBit ransomware attack | The Australian retail software vendor responds to cyber attack from resurrected ransomware gang. HVD.HOST – March 2024 Raft of Australian companies compromised in hosting service hack | The Black Basta ransomware gang has posted details of a hack affecting nearly a dozen Australian organisations. Epic Games – February 2024 Fortnite game developer Epic Games allegedly hacked | A ransomware gang claims to have nearly 200 gigabytes of internal data, but Epic Games says there is no evidence of any compromise. Epic Games ‘hacker’ Mogilevich admits it was a scam operation The Department of Communities – February 2024 Whistleblower reveals Department of Communities’ failure to revoke credit card access for ex-employees Hacker offers the personal details of 25m Aussies for sale – February 2024 Hacker offers the personal details of 25m Aussies for sale Microsoft – February 2024 Microsoft patches 80 vulnerabilities | Two bugs under exploit, plus other critical patches Microsoft Azure – February 2024 Senior executives affected in largest observed Microsoft Azure data breach | A Microsoft Azure cloud takeover campaign has resulted in the largest data breach ever seen by the platform, compromising hundreds of accounts, including those of executives, according to a new report. Villis Bakery – February 2024 Hackers target iconic South Australian company Vili’s Family Bakery Tangerine Telecom – February 2024 Tangerine Telecom says customer data of 232,000 affected by ‘cyber incident’ 232,000 customers exposed in Tangerine security breach Internet provider Tangerine suffers cyberattack CBA-owned Tangerine Telecom in mass data breach Kadac Australia – February 2024 Kadac Australia hit by Medusa ransomware attack, threat group demands $100k Balmain – February 2024 Lender’s website down 10 days after major hack Australian Human Resources Institute – February 2024 Australian Human Resources Institute warns customers of cyber attack | AHRI has sent out emails warning of malware that could have been spreading fake browser updates AnyDesk – February 2024 AnyDesk resets passwords after breach AnyDesk Hit by Cyberattack That Targeted Production Systems AnyDesk revokes signing certs, portal passwords after crooks sneak into systems AnyDesk says hackers breached its production servers, reset passwords AnyDesk Incident: Customer Credentials Leaked and Published for Sale on the Dark Web Elite Supplements – February 2024 Customer data stolen in major Australian supplement brand cyber attack Cloudflare – February 2024 Cloudflare server breached using old credentials from previous attack Europcar – February 2024 Europcar denies alleged data breach affecting 50m Central Coast Council – February 2024 Central Coast Council cyber attack could affect people nationwide Football Australia – February 2024 Personal data exposed in Football Australia data leak after database left accessible Canberra Medical Centre – January 2024 Patient data hacked at Canberra medical centre LinkedIn, Adobe, Twitter and More – January 2024 26bn records exposed in largest data leak of all time: LinkedIn, Adobe, Twitter and more affected Quantum Radiology – January 2024 Hacked Sydney radiologist instructs staff to tell customers hack was a technical fault Nissan Australia – January 2024 The Australian and New Zealand Nissan Corporation and Financial Services (“Nissan”) is currently managing a cyber incident. Here is the latest information on our incident response. Hal Leonard Australia – January 2024 Print music giant Hal Leonard Australia falls victim to Qilin ransomware Binge, Dan Murphys, Guzman y Gomez, The Iconic -January 2024 Hackers target Binge, The Iconic, Dan Murphy’s customers following Australian data breaches Guzman y Gomez, Dan Murphy’s customers affected in credential stuffing campaign Labour – January 2024 Labor hit by major government data breach, millions of files stolen from key departments The Iconic – January 2024 The Iconic responds to hacking claims, promising refunds to customers The Iconic promises to issue refunds to hacked customers The Iconic And A Melb Travel Agency Become Target Of Cyber Hacks Impacting 1000s Of Aussies The Iconic denies responsibility for data breach The Iconic was hit by criminals taking money by ‘credential stuffing’. How can you stay safe? Inspiring Vacations – January 2024 Australian travel agency exposes customer data after leaving database publicly accessible Passports, travel documents exposed in data breach Inspiring Vacations Hit by Significant Data Breach: 112,000 Travelers Affected Australian travel agency hit by data breach, leaking passport and travel details of thousands of customers Personal information of more than 112,000 people exposed in data breach Australian travel agency exposes customer data after leaving database publicly accessible Court Services Australia – January 2024 Victorian court systems allegedly breached by Qilin ransomware gang | Victoria’s courts have been hit by a cyber attack allegedly at the hands of Russia-based hackers. Hackers hit Victoria’s court recording database Yakult Australia – January 2024 Yakult Australia confirms cyber incident | Investigating extent of system and data access by threat actor. Eagers Automotive – January 2024 Eager Automotive halts trading following cyber attack | Australian vehicle dealership giant Eagers Automotive has announced that it suffered a systems outage as a result of a cyber attack. Customers warned after major car dealership group Eagers Automotive hacked LockBit 3.0 Claims Attack on Australian Auto Dealer Eagers Eagers Auto says outsiders accessed data from IT servers Eagers Automotive finds unauthorised access to parts of IT systems Data Breaches for Australia 2023 Data Breaches for Australia 2022 Data Breaches for Australia 2021 Data Breaches for Australia 2020 Data Breaches for Australia 2019 Data Breaches for Australia 2018

Razer has introduced two new microphones, the Seiren V3 Chroma and Seiren V3 Mini, designed to enhance the audio experience for gamers and content creators. These microphones combine Razer's signature style with advanced features to become the focal point of any gaming setup or streaming studio. Nick Bourne, Head of Razer’s Mobile, Console & Streaming Division, expressed excitement about the launch of the Seiren V3 Chroma and Seiren V3 Mini. He highlighted the integration of top-tier audio quality with Razer Chroma RGB technology, offering content creators customization, control, and clarity for their recordings. The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma stands out for its impeccable audio clarity and visually stunning RGB experience. With Stream and Game Reactive Lighting powered by Razer Chroma RGB, this microphone enhances the showmanship of content creators by responding to in-game events and stream alerts with vibrant lighting effects. Unleashing the Power of the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma and Seiren V3 Mini: A New Standard in Audio Quality The heart of the Seiren V3 Chroma is its Supercardioid Condenser Mic, which captures every nuance of the user’s voice with an exceptional level of detail, backed by a tighter pickup pattern that effectively minimizes background noise. Whether communicating with teammates or engaging with an audience, the Seiren V3 Chroma ensures every word is heard with crystal clarity. The Seiren V3 Chroma’s Multi-Function Tap-to-Mute Sensor is more than just a button – it’s an intuitive command center at your fingertips. With a simple tap, users can control audio output including mute/unmute, adjust lighting, and toggle the microphone’s digital gain limiter or check mic monitoring levels with lighting indicators, ensuring a flawless audio experience even during the most intense live streams or gaming sessions. The Razer Seiren V3 Mini: Clarity Made Compact The Seiren V3 Mini builds on the foundation of its predecessor by incorporating additional functionalities into its compact form factor. New advancements include an intuitive tap-to-mute sensor with an LED indicator that provides instant control and feedback, onboard audio mixing via Razer Synapse, and an improved bit sampling rate for superior audio performance. This makes the Seiren V3 Mini an optimal solution for streamers and gamers seeking high-quality audio without the bulk. For content creators and gamers alike, background noise can be a persistent challenge. The 14mm Condenser Mic at its core is tailored for clear, detailed voice capture, especially effective in higher frequency ranges. The Seiren V3 Mini’s Supercardioid Pickup Pattern expertly isolates the speaker’s voice, ensuring that only the intended audio is captured. The addition of a Tap-to-Mute Sensor with an LED Indicator provides instant control and feedback, a crucial feature for live streaming or during heated in-game communication. Razer is a prominent lifestyle brand catering to gamers worldwide, known for its iconic triple-headed snake logo. The company has established itself as a leader in the gaming and esports communities, boasting a vast fan base across the globe. Razer's offerings include top-notch gaming peripherals, Blade gaming laptops, and innovative software platforms like Razer Synapse, Razer Chroma RGB, and Razer Cortex. Additionally, Razer provides payment services through Razer Gold and fintech services via Razer Fintech.

Built for amazing viewing, the View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis is an ATX case that features tempered glass front and left panels, and comes with a pre-installed CT140 ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan White at the rear. Thermal Take View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis Built for amazing viewing, the View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis is an ATX case that features tempered glass front and left panels, and comes with a pre-installed CT140 ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan White at the rear. Its RGB lighting can be controlled by motherboard software from ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, and ASRock. Moreover, up to nine 120mm fans can be installed in the chassis, and up to a 360mm radiator can be placed on the top of the View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis. Supports up to a 360mm Radiator on the Top Thermal Take View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis Providing good cooling support, users can choose to place a 360mm radiator on the top of the View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue. Tempered Glass Front and Left Panels custom pc builder - nerdcore pc The View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue is designed for better visibility, allowing users to enjoy their system through the tempered glass front and left panels. Supports up to a 360mm Radiator on the Top Providing good cooling support, users can choose to place a 360mm radiator on the top of the View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue. One CT140 ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan White Pre-installed The View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis comes with a CT140 ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan White pre-installed at the rear. It's fascinating lighting effects can be controlled by motherboard software from ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, and ASRock. Enhanced Airflow for Better Cooling The View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis boasts a built-in MESH power supply cover that enhances airflow within the case. Not only does this feature help ensure efficient cooling, its full-length cover provides ample space to neatly manage cables. Opportunities For High-End Expansion The View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue Mid Tower Chassis offers good expandability. It can support a CPU cooler with a maximum height of 180mm, VGA placement up to 420mm in length, a power supply up to 220mm in length. Optimized for excellent cooling performance, the case comes with a pre-installed CT140 ARGB Sync PC Cooling Fan White at the rear, and up to nine 120mm fans can be installed. For radiator compatibility, it can support up to 360mm on top, giving more options for high-end expansion! How Much Storage Is Totally Up To You For storage compatibility, the View 270 TG ARGB Hydrangea Blue gives maximum support of up to two 2.5″ SSDs or two 3.5″ HDDs in total. Handy I/O Ports Two USB 3.0, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C and HD Audio ports are placed on the top panel to grant direct access when needed. All-in-One Compatibility List All-in-One Compatibility List Sync with Motherboard RGB Software Designed to synchronize with ASUS Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome. It supports motherboards with a 5V addressable RGB header, allowing you to control the lights directly from the software mentioned above without installing any extra lighting software or controllers. For more details, please visit ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, and ASRock official websites.

SPECIFICATIONS ASUS ROG-MATRIX-RTX4090-P24G-GAMING ROG Matrix GeForce RTX 4090 Platinum 24GB GDDR6X Graphics Card Card In Stock $7400.00

Choose a variety of styles - Rgb heaven lights , water cooling systems for motherboard cpu an graphics cards an memory. Our designer cases are open an assembled by industry leading professionals. The Best Gaming PCs for 2024. We can build you a dream pc - Its your PC its our choice. You can't buy a more powerful gaming platform than a tricked-out nerdcore pc desktop. Here's everything you need to know, part by part, to pick the right prebuilt gaming PC, plus current favorites an flavors culled from our top-rated picks. nerdcore pc gaming custom - Build a powerful custom one of kind gaming pc from nerdcore pc Despite the allure and simplicity of gaming consoles and handheld devices, the nerdcore PC gaming has never been stronger. nerdcore pc enthusiasts know that nothing beats the quality of game play you can get with a nerdcore pc desktop built for gaming. Today, it's within almost every determined nerdcore PC shopper's grasp to get a prebuilt nerdcore gaming PC with the graphics power necessary to drive the latest games on a full HD (4k) monitor at lofty detail settings. What kind of nerdcore pc desktop makes games look and run better than on the Sony PS5 or Microsoft Xbox Series X? If you have deep pockets, with heaps of cash it's a custom-built hot rod from an elite boutique nerdcore PC maker, such as Falcon Northwest, Maingear, or Velocity Micro. However, a few well-informed choices will go a long way toward buying the right gaming desktop from a mainstream brand, like Dell, Lenovo, or MSI—even if you're not made of money. These are the best pre built gaming desktops in 2024 across all budgets and our latest top picks in the nerdcore pc category. Every gaming nerdcore PC we recommend has been thoroughly tested—from tower PCs to compacts—for a variety of uses. Our top picks are followed by a guide explaining how to buy the right gaming desktop for you and your budget. nerdcore pc gaming custom - Build a powerful custom one of kind gaming pc from nerdcore pc Author # nerdcore pc

If you're an Australian business and confused about which cybersecurity frameworks you should be complying with, you're not alone. Unlike the United States, Australia currently doesn't have clear mandatory minimum cybersecurity standards for businesses. This is likely to change in the near future. The Australian government is being pressured to follow the United States lead in lifting the nation's cybersecurity posture. When this national security reform is complete, industry-specific regulatory standards will likely be introduced to strengthen the specific vulnerabilities that are unique to each sector. In the interim, Australian businesses are critically exposed to Nation-State threat actors, and so, must take ownership of their cyber threat resilience now. According to the 2020 Australian Digital Trust Report, a 4-week disruption to critical digital infrastructures caused by a cyberattack would cost the Australian economy AU$30 billion (1.5% of GDP) or 163,000 jobs. To assist in the effort of strengthening the Nation's cyber threat resilience, we've compiled a list of the top cybersecurity controls and frameworks impacting Australian businesses in 2023. Learn how UpGuard simplifies Vendor Risk Management > 1. Essential Eight Essential Eight was developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASCS) in 2017 to help Australian businesses mitigate cybersecurity threats and data breaches. This framework is recommended by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) for all Australian organizations. For more information about the security standards of the ASD, refer to this Information Security Manual (ISM). Essential Eight (also known as the ASD Essential Eight) is comprised of eight basic mitigation strategies, or security controls, that are divided across three primary objectives. Learn how to comply with CPS 230 > Each of the listed strategies under each objective links to an implementation guideline post by the Australian Government. Objective 1: Prevent Cyberattacks This initial strategy aims to protect internal systems from malicious software such as, malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Objective 1  includes 4 security controls. Patch application vulnerabilities Application control User application hardening Configuring MS Office Macro settings Learn how Australian businesses can prevent data breaches > Objective 2: Limit Extent of Cyberattacks This objective aims to limit the penetration depth of all malicious injections. This is achieved by discovering and remediating all security vulnerabilities so that threat actors cannot exploit them. Objective 1  includes 3 security controls: Patch operating system vulnerabilities Restrict Admin access Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Learn the difference between 2FA and MFA > Objective 3: Data Recovery and System Availability This objective covers the final stage of cyber security incidents. Sensitive data resources must be continuously backed up to support system availability through immediate data recovery. This objective includes the 8th and final security control - Daily backups. For each mitigation strategy, the Australian SIgnals DIrectorate recommends for the Essential EIght framework to be implemented in three phases: Maturity Level One - Partily aligned with the mitigation strategy objectives Maturity Level Two - Mostly aligned with the mitigation strategy objectives Maturity Level Three - Fully aligned with the mitigation strategy objectives The minimal recommended baseline for cyber threat protection is Maturity Level Three. Learn more about the Essential Eight Framework > Which Industries Does the Essential Eight Apply To? The Australian Signals Directorate recommends all Australian Government entities and businesses implement the Essential Eight framework for best cybersecurity practice. Is the Essential Eight Mandatory for Australian Businesses? The Australian Federal government will mandate the Essential Eight framework for all 98 non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Compliance with this framework is expected for both corporate and non-corporate Commercial entities (NCCEs). To evaluate compliance, these entities will undergo a comprehensive audit every 5 years commencing on June 2022 Previously, Government entities were expected to comply with only the top 4 Essential Eight strategies. But after an audit revealed abysmal cyber resilience across multiple government departments, compliance expectations have expanded to all eight strategies with the inclusion of NCCEs. Since 2018, it has become mandatory for all businesses with an annual turnover of at least $3 million, to report data breaches to the OAIC - whether or not they've embraced the Essential Eight framework. Learn the difference bewteen a regulation and a cyber framework > How UpGuard Can Help you Comply with the Essential Eight UpGuard empowers Australian businesses to achieve compliance with Essential Eight security controls. UpGuard's comprehensive attack surface monitoring engine provides vulnerability analytics to support application hardening efforts and audits the complete threat landscape to keep patch applications up to date. Request a free trial of UpGuard > 2. Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF) The Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF) is an annual assessment of cybersecurity resilience across the Australian energy sector. The AESCSF was developed in 2018 as a collaborative effort between: The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) The Australian Government The Cyber Security Industry Working Group (CSIWG) Critical Infrastructure Centre (CIC) Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) In an effort to apply the highest level of cyber threat protection to Australian energy infrastructures, the AESCSF combines aspects of recognized security frameworks with a risk-management approach such as: NIST Cyber Security Framework (by the National Institute of Standards and Technology) ‍NIST) SP 800-53‍ Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2)‍ NIST SP 800-53‍ COBIT‍ Essential Eight Notifiable Data Breaches scheme (NDB)‍ ISO/IEC 27001‍ The Australian Privacy Principles To access resources for the latest AESCSF 2020-21 program, refer to the Australian Energy Market Operator website. Which Industries Does the Australian Energy Sector CyberSecurity Framework (AESCSF) Apply To? The AESCSF has been designed for the Australian Energy sector. Is the Australian Energy Sector CyberSecurity Framework (AESCSF) Mandatory for Australian Businesses? The AESCSF is not a mandatory security framework for the Australian Energy Sector. However, because critical infrastructures are currently being targeted by cybercriminals, this framework is recommended for its clear maturity pathway programs. How UpGuard Can Help You Comply with the AESCSF UpGuard supports many of popular the cybersecurity risk assessments and cybersecurity frameworks being leveraged by AESCSF. Request a free trial of UpGuard > 3. CIS Controls Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls are a set of different security efforts designed to protect systems from common cyber-attacks. These mitigation strategies have been designed to disrupt the cyberattack lifecycle. The CIS framework has been recently updated from version 7.1 to version 8. Version 8 is more aligned with the latest digital transformation trends that are expanding the threat landscape. These include: The prevalence of work-from-home arrangements Increased reliance on cloud-based solutions Increased mobile endpoints Increased adoption of virtualization The transition to hybrid workforces that deviate between office and home environments Another obvious change in CIS version 8 is the reduction of controls - they've dropped from 20 to 18. The updated list of CIS controls are outlined below: CIS Control 1: Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets CIS Control 2: Inventory and Control of Software Assets CIS Control 3: Data Protection CIS Control 4: Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software CIS Control 5: Account Management CIS Control 6: Access Control Management CIS Control 7: Continuous Vulnerability Management CIS Control 8: Audit Log Management CIS Control 9: Email Web Browser and Protections CIS Control 10: Malware Defenses CIS Control 11: Data Recovery CIS Control 12: Network Infrastructure Management CIS Control 13: Network Monitoring and Defense CIS Control 14: Security Awareness and Skills Training CIS Control 15: Service Provider Management CIS Control 16: Application Software Security CIS Control 17: Incident Response Management CIS Control 18: Penetration Testing Difference Between CIS Controls and CIS Benchmarks CIS controls are a list of recommended strategies for securing systems and devices. CIS Benchmarks are hardening strategies for specific vendor products. The range of CIS Benchmarks includes 100+ security best practices across 25+ vendors. To access this list For more details, see the complete list of CIS Benchmarks Which Industries Does the CIS Framework Apply To? CIS controls are not industry-specific, any organization can strengthen its security posture by implementing CIS controls. CIS controls are especially beneficial to industries that store copious amounts of sensitive end-user information such as finance, healthcare, education, and law. Are CIS Controls Mandatory for Australian Businesses? At the time of writing this, adopting the CIS controls framework is not a mandatory requirement for Australian businesses. CIS controls are not mandatory, by they're recommended for the superior sensitive data protection they offer. Because this framework is industry agnostic, it can be readily confirmed to most security requirements. How UpGuard Can Help You Comply with the CIS Controls UpGuard offers a CIS controls security standard questionnaire to assess compliance against the best practice guidelines for cybersecurity outlined in the 18 CIS Controls. Request a free trial of UpGuard > 4. Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) This Cloud Control Matrix (CCM) is a cybersecurity framework for cloud computing environments. This control framework was created by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) - a not-for-profit dedicated to promoting best practices for cloud computing security. The CCM covers the primary components of cloud technology across 16 domains which branch out into 133 control objectives. This framework can be used to surface security deficiencies in cloud implementation efforts and provide guidance on security controls that could remediate them. The CCM is particularly effective because it maps its controls to prominent security standards and regulations such as: AICPA BITS Shared Assessments German BSI C5 PIPEDA Canada CIS AWS Foundation COBIT COPPA ENISA IAF 95/46/EC EU Data Protection Directive FedRAMP FERPA GAPP HIPAA/HITECH Act HITRUST CSF ISO/IEC 27001 ISO/IEC 27002 ISO/IEC 27017 ISO/IEC 27018 Mexico Federal Law NERC CIP NIST SP800-53 NZISM ODCA UM: PA PCI DSS IEC 62443-3-3 C5. CCM caters to all parties in a cloud computing relationship - cloud customers and cloud solution providers. Cloud Customers The CCM offers the Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ) for customers that wish to scrutinize the security efforts of their cloud providers, namely which security controls are implemented for PaaS, IaaS, and SaaS products. The CAIQ has recently been updated to version 4 which can be accessed here. Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs) Vendors offering cloud products can submit self-assessments with the CAIQ to demonstrate their compliance with CMS standards. This proof of compliance can be sent to clients or used to apply for the Security, Trust, Assurance, and Risk Registry (STAR). There are two benefits to being included in this registry. The first is that compliance with the CCM matrix is verified by CSA which strengthens the appeal of vendor relationship. The second is that vendors included in the registry have all of their security control documentation publically available, which reduces the complexity of vendor assessments. For more details about the Cloud Control Matrics, refer to the Cloud Security Alliance website. Is the Cloud Control Matrix Mandatory for Australian Businesses? The CCM matrix is not a mandatory requirement in Australia. However, this framework is designed to map to mandatory regulations and frameworks. The Cloud Security Alliance has created a series of mappings to the Cloud Control Matrix (CCM) that can be accessed here. CSA is regularly updating this list, so if your required cybersecurity framework mapping is not included in this list, contact CSA to confirm whether it will be in the future. How UpGuard Can Help You Comply with the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) UpGuard supports compliance with each of the CCM control objectives by offering security questionnaires associated with the standards the CCM maps to. UpGuard offers a custom questionnaire builder to empower organizations to contextualize their CCM compliance. 5. Control Objectives for Information Technology (COBIT) COBIT was developed by the IT Governance Institute (ITGI) and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). This IT management framework is designed to support the development, organization, and implementation of processes that improve IT governance and cybersecurity best practices. The COBIT framework is commonly used to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). But for general use-cases, COBIT allows organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of their IT investments in light of their business goals. COBIT 2019 is the latest version of the framework, upgraded from COBIT 5. COBIT 5 was the most celebrated framework because it enforced accountability, which prevented stakeholder. The COBIT 2019 framework consists of 6 principles, outlined below. The 5 principles that governed the COBIT 5 framework are also listed for comparison. COBIT 2019 Principles: Principle 1: Provide stakeholder value Principle 2: Holistic approach Principle 3: Dynamic governance system Principle 4: Governance distinct from management Principle 5: Tailored to enterprise needs Principle 6:  End-to-end governance system COBIT 5 Principles: Principle 1: Meeting stakeholder needs Principle 2: Covering the enterprise end to end Principle 3: Applying a single integrated framework Principle 4: Enabling a holistic approach Principle 5: Separating governance from management Learn more about COBIT To contextualize a potential COBIT implementation, refer to these case studies. Which Industries Does COBIT Apply to? COBIT supports all organizations that depend on the reliable distribution of relevant information. This broad categorization includes both government entities and private sector organizations. Is the COBIT Framework Mandatory for Australian Businesses? COBIT is not a mandatory cybersecurity framework in Australia. However, because Australian businesses issuing and registering securities in the United States need to be compliant with SOX, this group would do well to implement COBIT since it supports SOX compliance. How UpGuard Can Help You Comply with COBIT UpGuard makes it easier for Australian businesses to achieve SOX compliance, which in turn, supports the progression to COBIT compliance. Some of the protocols that support this effort include: Ensuring the correct information security policies are in place Implementing safeguards to detect and remediate data leaks Remediating vulnerabilities placing sensitive data at risk. Request a free trial of UpGuard > 6. Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) empowers Australian Government entities, to protect their people, information, and assets. Its goal is to cultivate a positive security culture across all entities. This protection is valid on Australian soil and overseas. The PSPF aims to implement the following policies. Each policy links to core requirements guidelines. Security governance Information security Personnel security Physical security There are 5 PSPF principles that represent desired security outcomes: Security is everyone's responsibility -  A positive security culture supports the achievement of security outcomes. Security enables the business of government - Services can be delivered more efficiently if they're secure. Security measures protect assets and people from their associated cyber risks. Each department takes ownership of its inherent and residual risks. Security incident responses should be continuously reviewed and improved. Which industries Does the PSPF Apply To? The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) applies to all Australian government entities and non-corporate Commonwealth entities. Is the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) Mandatory for Australian Businesses? The PSPF must be applied to Australian Government entities and non-corporate government entities in accordance with their risk profiles. The PSPF became a critical requirement for government bodies in 2018 when the Attorney-General established the framework as an Australian Government Policy. The PSPF is also considered a best cybersecurity practice for all Australian state and territory agencies. How to Be Compliant With the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) UpGuard supports compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) by offering a single pain of visibility into the entire attack surface to help all departments take ownership of their security posture 7. The Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 The Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) seeks to protect Australian Infrastructures from foreign cyberattacks. The range of powers, functions, and obligations in this Act applies to specific critical infrastructure assets in the electricity, gas, water, and ports sectors. There are three primary directives of the Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act: Owners and operators of critical infrastructures must register all relevant assets. Owners and operators of critical infrastructures must supply the Department of Home Affairs with all required information that could support the security efforts of the center. Owners and operators of critical infrastructures must comply with all instructions from the Minister of Home Affairs that support the mitigation of national security risks where all other risk mitigation efforts have. been exhausted. On 10 December 2020, the Australian government introduced the Security Legislation Amendment Bill to broaden the definition of critical infrastructures in the SOCI Act. This amendment broadens the application of the SOCI Act to 11 classes of critical infrastructures including: Top 8 Australian Cybersecurity Frameworks Communications Data storage and processing Defence Financial services and markets Food and grocery Health care and medical Transport Higher education and research Energy Space technology Water and Sewerage More information about the Act can be accessed via the resources below: Overview of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 Coverage of critical infrastructures Reporting entity obligations Note: The SOCI Act framework has undergone reforms to strengthen the cybersecurity of Australia's critical infrastructures. The updated framework is outlined in the SLACIP Act. Which Industries Does the Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act Apply To? Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 applies to the electricity, gas, water, and ports sectors that possess a specific range of critical assets. Is the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 Mandatory for Australian Businesses? At the time of writing this, there are no announcements enforcing compliance with SOCI 2018. How UpGuard Can Help You Comply with the Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 UpGuard supports compliance with SOCI 2018 and its reformed security controls by helping critical infrastructures discover and remediate data leaks and vulnerabilities exposing critical assets and third-party vendors in the supply chain. 8. ISO/IEC 38500 The ISO/IEC 38500 is an international standard for an IT governance framework. It ensures the security of all management processes and decisions that impact the current and future use of Information Technology. ISO/IEC 38500 empowers multiple parties to take ownership of a company's security posture including: Executive managers Users with access to all of the organization's resources. Third-party vendors Technical specialists Consultants Auditors This framework is supported by six principles: Establish clear responsibilities Support the objectives of the organization Make strategic acquisitions Ensure KPIs are exceeded Ensure conformance with rules Consider all human factors For more information, refer to the official ISO/IEC 38500 2015 standard document. Is the ISO/IEC 38500 Mandatory for Australian Businesses? ISO 38500 is an international standard for IT security, so Australian businesses are expected to be compliant with this framework. All types of businesses should strive to be ISO 38500 compliant including: Public and private companies Government entities Not-for-profits Businesses of all sizes, regardless of their IT usage.

Data breaches in Australia are on the rise, particularly in the financial and healthcare industries. In an effort to DISRUPT this negative trend, the Australian government is revising its cybersecurity frameworks and policies to strengthen resilience against nation-state threat actors. But Australian businesses cannot solely rely on the government's cybersecurity initiatives. Even the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) admits that proposed security frameworks only raise the baseline of security. It's up to each individual business to continue lifting this standard with additional data breach prevention controls. To help Australian businesses avoid some of the common malpractices that facilitate data breaches, we've compiled a list of some of the biggest data breaches in Australia, ranked by magnitude of impact. If you're interested in a global perspective, you can also read our blog on the biggest data breaches globally. 13 Biggest Data Cyber Security Breaches in Australia 1. Canva Date: May 2019 Impact: 137 million users Australian unicorn Canva suffered a monumental data breach impacting 137 million of its users. To put that into perspective, the online design tool currently has about 55 million active monthly users. A cybercriminal identified as Ghosticplayers breached Canva's defences but was stopped by Canva when they detected malicious activity in their systems. Unfortunately, this interception did not happen soon enough. The threat actor had time to access the following user data: Usernames Real names Email addresses Country data Encrypted passwords Partial payment data After the cyberattack, Ghosticplayers contacted ZDNet to brag about the successful data breach. This is unusual behavior for cybercriminals who usually gloat about their cybercrimes on dark web forums. Canva quickly notified affected accounts that had decrypted passwords to change their passwords and reset all accounts for those that had not changed their passwords in 6 months. 13 Biggest Data Cyber Security Breaches in Australia 2. Latitude Date: March 2023 Impact: 14 million customers Latitude, the Australian personal loan and financial service provider, was affected by a data breach that impacted over 14 million people from Australia and New Zealand. Although the initial disclosure stated that only 328,000 individual customers were affected, that number quickly grew to 14 million after further investigation. The Latitude breach was one of Australia’s largest breaches in recent history and follows a recent string of large-scale attacks (Optus and Medibank). The attack occurred when one set of employee credentials was stolen, allowing access to Latitude’s customer data, mainly consisting of: Full names Physical addresses Email addresses Phone numbers Dates of birth Driver’s license numbers Passport numbers Much of the information was data stored from 2005, which drew questions on why companies continue to store customer records beyond the required seven-year timeframe. The government also considered extending the reach of federal cyber agencies to intervene in the case private companies come under attack. Latitude is currently being investigated for its role in the attack and whether or not it had sufficient ability to prevent the attack from happening. The company is also being investigated for a class-action lawsuit. 3. Optus Date: September 2022 Impact: 9.8 million customers The Optus data breach was one of the biggest security breaches ever in Australian history. As the second-largest telecommunications company in Australia, this security incident brought up questions about Australian data security policies and how companies handle them. Cybercriminals believed to be working for a state-sponsored operation breached Optus' internal network, compromising personal information and impacting up to 9.8 million customers, almost 40% of the population. According to Optus CEO Kelly Bayer, the oldest records in the compromised database could date as far back as 2017. Personal data included in this compromised data set includes: Names Birth dates Addresses Phone numbers Passport information Driver's license numbers Government ID numbers Medical records & Medicare card ID numbers It’s speculated that the criminal group gained access through an unauthorized API endpoint, meaning a user/password or other authentication method wasn't required to connect to the API. Bayer said it was an extremely sophisticated attack that circumvented the company’s strong cyber defenses. Hackers published the sensitive data samples on online forums just a few days later, demanding a A$1.5m ransom in cryptocurrency. However, the hacker reversed course just a few days after demanding a ransom due to pressure from law enforcement and claimed to delete all the data during an apology on the same forum. The fallout of the attack saw major policy criticisms about the effectiveness of Australian cybersecurity. In April 2023, Optus was hit with a class-action lawsuit comprised of 1.2 million customers. Australian Cyber Security Minister Clare O’Neil admitted that the country was a decade behind other developed countries on cybersecurity and data privacy. The alleged details of the Optus data breach as revealed by a cyber criminal claiming responsibility - Source: Twitter - Jeremy Kirk. If the cyber criminals are confirmed to be state-sponsored, the breach was likely caused by a ransomware attack - a style of attack preferenced by such well-financed hacker groups for its high success rates and significant dividends. Learn how the Ransomware-as-a-Service criminal network operates. Investigations are still underway, and Optus has yet to confirm whether it received a  ransomware note from the cybercriminals. At this point, it isn’t clear whether this breach constitutes a violation of Australian privacy principles. To prevent such a costly conclusion, Optus needs to demonstrate that it took active measures to ensure the protection of all customer data from data breach attempts - a decision for the privacy commissioner to make. 4. Medibank Date: December 2022 Impact: 9.7 million people In December 2022, Medibank, the Australian health insurance giant, was the victim of a major data breach, affecting the personal details of 9.7 million customers. The attack was believed to be linked to a well-known ransomware group based in Russia, the REvil ransomware gang. The privacy breach was first discovered when REvil posted on a dark web blog a folder that contained 6GB of raw data samples, indicating that they had larger amounts of data to release, and demanded a $10 million ransom. The data included: Names Birthdates Passport numbers Medical claims data Medical records Despite one of the largest data breaches in Australian history, Medibank stayed firm and refused to pay the ransom. Although the data is believed to have been fully released on the dark web, no cases of identity or financial fraud have occurred yet. Medibank also urged customers to stay vigilant on credit checks and phishing scams to ensure that they do not become victims, and the health giant invested significant amounts into its cybersecurity. Medibank is currently under investigation by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for its information handling practices and could be subject to a $50 million fine if it is determined that it did not have sufficient security practices in place. Additionally, a class-action lawsuit could be underway for Medibank as well. 5. ProctorU Date: July 2020 Impact: 444,000 people Sensitive information belonging to ProctorU, an online proctoring service for remote students, was leaked online for free on a dark web hacking forum. This incident was part of a larger data leak impacting 18 companies and exposing 386 million records. The compromised database of 444,000 records included user records with email addresses belonging to: The University of Sydney The University of New South Wales The University of Melbourne The University of Queensland The University of Tasmania James Cook University Swinburne University of Technology The University of Western Australia Curtin University and the University of Adelaide Email addresses from prominent American universities were also included in the data exposure, including UCLA, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Syracuse, Columbia, and more. However, despite the email address breach, ProctorU said no financial information was compromised. 6. Australian National University (ANU)‍ Date: November 2018 Impact: 200,000 students The Australian National University (ANU) fell victim to a highly sophisticated cyber attack that shocked even the most experienced Australian security experts. Furthermore, the attack wasn’t discovered until nearly six months later. Cyber attackers accessed sensitive information dating as far back as 19 years. The following information was stolen: Names Addresses Phone numbers Dates of birth Emergency contact details Tax file numbers Payroll information Bank account details Student academic results The attackers deployed four spear-phishing campaigns to harvest network access credentials from staff. The successful phishing attack came down to a senior staff member who opened an infected email, which granted the attackers deeper levels of access until the University's Enterprise Systems Doman (ESD) was breached. This is where the University's most sensitive records were stored. The attackers worked meticulously to cover their tracks, instantly deleted access logs, and used the anonymity software Tor to obfuscate their location details. The phishing campaign continued to expand with a second round of emails directly from the staff member’s breached email, which invited more prominent school members to a fake event to increase the scope of the attack. Although there has been no evidence of information being exploited, ANU spent millions of dollars after the attack to upgrade its network security. 7. Eastern Health Date: March 2021 Impact: 4 hospitals Eastern Health, an operator of 4 Melbourne hospitals, fell victim to a cyberattack causing certain elective surgeries to be postponed. The nature of the cyber attack is unknown, but it's suspected to have been a ransomware attack. This is likely to be true since, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), ransomware attacks targeting the Australian health sector are growing. Eastern Health assured the public that no patient data was compromised in the attack. 8. Service NSW Date: April 2020 Impact: 104,000 people 47 Service NSW staff email accounts were hacked through a series of phishing attacks. This led to 5 million documents being accessed, 10 percent of which contains sensitive data impacting 104,000 people. A major contributing factor to the seamless breach was the lack of multi-factor authentication 9. Melbourne Heart Group Date: February 2019 Impact: 15,000 patients Melbourne Heart Group, a specialist cardiology unit in Cabrini Hospital, fell victim to a ransomware attack impacting 15,000 patient files. Ransomware attacks are still classified as data breaches because cybercriminals access sensitive data and hold it hostage unless a ransom price is paid. This data breach compromised personal patient details and medical data, exposing victims to potential phishing attacks and identity theft. Melbourne Heart Group was locked of it its compromised data for almost 3 weeks. A spokesperson for the cardiology unit said that no sensitive data was leaked while it was in possession of the cybercriminals. But such a claim assumes ransomware criminals are true to their promise that damages will be completely reversed if demands are obeyed Melbourne Heart Group, reportedly, paid the bitcoin ransom. Most of the encrypted files were restored, but not all of them. 10. Australian Parliament House Date: February 2019 Impact: Multiple political party networks - Liberal, Labor, and the Nationals. Australian Parliament House networks were breached by a nation-state criminal group. It's speculated that China was responsible for the attack, as a response to Scott Morrison banning Huawei and ZTE equipment from Australia's 5G network. The attack resulted in the loss of some data, but according to the head of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Mike Burgess, none of it was classified as sensitive. "There was a small amount of data taken; none of that was deemed sensitive, but the assessment of that is a matter for the parliament themselves." Mike said at the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee on April 5, 2019. The cybercriminals used phishing methods to steal employee credentials and gain entry into the government's network. This precursor attack took place on an infected external website that a small number of parliament staff visited. 11. Tasmanian Ambulance Date: January 2021 Impact: Every resident that requested an ambulance between Nov 2020 and Jan 2021. At the time of the breach, the Tasmanian ambulance was using outdated radio technology to run its communications network. Cyberattackers intercepted the radio data, converted the conversation to text, and posted the stolen data online. The breached data included the following patient information: HIV status Gender Age Address of each emergency incident. The website exposing the compromised data has since been taken offline. 12. Northern Territory Government Date: February 2021 Impact: 4400 emails Personal and business emails across thousands of territories have been leaked following a breach of the Northern Territory's COVID-19 check-in app. When the app was introduced, NT residents were assured that only Health Department officials and technical support personnel would have access to the collected data. According to Sue Hawes, the head of the COVID-19 hazard management unit, the data breach was caused by an unintentional error. 3. Western Australian Parliament Date: March 2021 Impact: Unknown Western Australia parliament's mail server was accessed after a Microsoft Exchange Server Vulnerability was compromised. This incident was part of a global cyberattack frenzy targeting the zero-day exploit before Microsoft responded with a patch release. WA's Executive Manager of Parliamentary Services Rob Hunter said that a forensic audit found no evidence of a data breach. A soon as security teams became aware of the malicious intrusion, they immediately disconnected the targeted email server. But it's uncertain whether this consolation is true. The lack of transparency into the event is concerning. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) declined to comment about the WA parliament attack but said that many Australian organisations were exposed to potential compromise while their servers remained unpatched. If the nation-state criminals were as sophisticated as the Prime Minister described them, may have had enough time to clandestinely exfiltrated some sensitive, even during such a brief visit. All information has been reproduced from leading news sites for republication in 2024. For awareness an blog article updates on own Australian cyber security front line.

The best graphics cards are the beating heart of any gaming PC, and everything else comes second. Without a powerful GPU pushing pixels, even the fastest CPU won't manage much. While no one graphics card will be right for everyone, we'll provide options for every budget and mindset below. Whether you're after the fastest graphics card, the best value, or the best card at a given price, we've got you covered. Where our GPU benchmarks hierarchy ranks all of the cards based purely on performance, our list of the best graphics cards looks at the whole package. Current GPU pricing, performance, features, efficiency, and availability are all important, though the weighting becomes more subjective. Factoring in all of those aspects, these are the best graphics cards that are currently available. With the increasing RTX 4090 prices, it's hard to justify buying the fastest GPU that's currently available. Prices on all GPUs have trended up in the post-Black Friday slump, so if you missed out on those deals, you might want to wait and see what January brings. AMD and Nvidia have basically wrapped up their latest generation GPU lineups, unless there are still plans for an RTX 4050 at the bottom of the stack. It's not clear what such a chip might entail at this point, possibly 8GB of memory on a 128-bit interface (again), or could Nvidia try foisting a 96-bit 6GB card on the market? Hopefully the former rather than the latter.There are rumblings of various RTX 40-series Super cards, which will probably appear in January. These may replace the existing non-Super models. What's not clear is whether anything will happen at the top of the stack with the RTX 4090. Nvidia's RTX 4090 is now banned from export to China, though that has merely encouraged scalpers to hoard RTX 4090 cards. A faster RTX 4090 Ti / Super would likewise be banned, and would need to be assembled outside of China, but it could still happen.On the AMD side of things, there are credible rumblings of an incoming RX 7600 XT. Specs remain a bit of a mystery, though we can't help but hope for a 12GB Navi 32-based variant. The existing RX 7600 already uses a maxed out Navi 33 configuration, so higher clocks would be the only option if AMD goes that route. Again, we anticipate cards arriving in January, around the CES timeframe. Intel's Arc Alchemist GPUs rate more as previous generation hardware, as they're manufactured on TSMC N6 and compete more directly against the RTX 3060 and RX 6700 10GB instead of newer parts. However, Arc A750 priced at under $200 (we've seen it sell for as little as $179) remains a very competitive option, if you don't mind the occasional driver snafus and higher power use. Note: We're showing current online prices alongside the official launch MSRPs in the above table, with the GPUs sorted by performance. Retail prices have fluctuated quite a bit over the course of a month; the table lists the best we could find at the time of writing.Our list now consists mostly of current generation cards, with only a single previous generation part still hanging around (RX 6700 XT) — unless you want to classify Arc as previous gen. Those older parts are near the bottom of the performance list, though they can still offer a good value if you're not after maximum performance or efficiency.The performance ranking (above) incorporates 15 games from our updated test suite, with both rasterization and ray tracing performance included. While we previously had DXR (DirectX Raytracing) as a separate column, we feel there are enough RT-enabled games now to aggregate the scores. Note that we are not including upscaling results in the table, which would generally skew things more in favor of Nvidia GPUs, depending on the selection of games, but the DXR games at least partially account for that.The above table is sorted by performance, which is why the RTX 4090 sits at the top, and why the RTX 4070 edges past the 7800 XT. Our subjective rankings below factor in price, power, and features colored by our own opinions. Others may offer a slightly different take, but all of the cards on this list are worthy of your consideration. Best Graphics Cards for Gaming 2024 1. GeForce RTX 4090 Fastest Graphics Card, Great for Creators, AI, and Autocad - Microstation Professionals Specifications GPU: Ada AD102 GPU Cores: 16384 Boost Clock: 2,520 MHz Video RAM: 24GB GDDR6X 21 Gbps TGP: 450 watts Reasons to buy +The fastest GPU, period +Excellent 4K and maybe even 8K gaming +Powerful ray tracing hardware +DLSS and now DLSS 3 +24GB is great for content creation workloads Reasons to avoid -Extreme price and power requirements -Needs a fast CPU and large PSU -Frame Generation is a bit gimmicky For some, the best graphics card is the fastest card, pricing be damned. Nvidia's GeForce RTX 4090 caters to precisely this category of user. It was also the debut of Nvidia's Ada Lovelace architecture, and will represent the most potent card Nvidia has to offer, possibly until 2025 when the next generation GPUs are rumored to arrive.Note also that pricing of the RTX 4090 has become quite extreme, with most cards now selling above $2,000 thanks to the China RTX 4090 export restrictions. If you don't already have a 4090, you're probably best off giving it a pass now.The RTX 4090 offers a larger gap between itself and the next closest Nvidia GPU. Across our suite of gaming benchmarks, it's 35% faster overall than the RTX 4080. It's also 51% faster than AMD's top performing RX 7900 XTX — though it also costs about 60% more.Let's be clear about something: You really need a high refresh rate 4K monitor to get the most out of the RTX 4090. At 1440p its advantage over a 4080 shrinks to 23%, and it's only 13% at 1080p — and that includes some demanding DXR games. The lead over the RX 7900 XTX also falls to only 24% at 1080p. Not only do you need a high resolution, high refresh rate monitor, but you'll also want the fastest CPU possible to get the most out of the 4090.It's not just gaming performance, either. In professional content creation workloads like Blender, Octane, and V-Ray, the RTX 4090 is up to 45% faster than the RTX 4080. And with Blender, it's over three times faster than the RX 7900 XTX. Don't even get us started on artificial intelligence tasks. In Stable Diffusion testing, the RTX 4090 is around four times faster than the 7900 XTX for 512x512 images, and nearly seven times faster for 768x768 images.There are numerous other AI workloads that currently only run on Nvidia GPUs. In short, Nvidia knows a thing or two about content creation applications. The only potential problem is that it uses drivers to lock improved performance in some apps (like some of those in SPEC viewperf) to its true professional cards, i.e. the RTX 6000 48GB.AMD's RDNA 3 response to Ada Lovelace might be a better value, at least if you're only looking at rasterization games, but for raw performance the RTX 4090 reigns as the current champion. Just keep in mind that you may also need a CPU and power supply upgrade to get the most out of the 4090. We'd also suggest waiting until next month to see if we get a new halo part, or if the rumored RTX 4080 Super might be a more cost effective solution. 2. Radeon RX 7900 XTX AMD's Fastest GPU, Great for Rasterization Specifications GPU: Navi 31 GPU Cores: 6144 Boost Clock: 2500 MHz Video RAM: 24GB GDDR6 20 Gbps TBP: 355 watts Reasons to buy +Great overall performance +Lots of VRAM and cache +Great for non-RT workloads +Good SPECviewperf results Reasons to avoid $1,000 starting price Much slower RT performance Weaker in AI / deep learning workloads The Red Team King is dead; long live the Red Team King! AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XTX rates as the fastest graphics card from AMD, and lands near the top of the charts — with a generational price bump to match. Officially priced at $999, the least expensive models now start at around $950, and supply has basically caught up to demand. There's good reason for the demand, as the 7900 XTX comes packing AMD's latest RDNA 3 architecture.That gives the 7900 XTX a lot more potential compute, and you get 33% more memory and bandwidth as well. Compared to the RX 6950 XT, on average the new GPU is 40% faster at 4K, though that shrinks to 30% at 1440p and just 24% at 1080p. It also delivers that performance boost without dramatically increasing power use or graphics card size.AMD remains a potent solution for anyone that doesn't care as much about ray tracing — and when you see the massive hit to performance for often relatively mild gains in image fidelity, we can understand why many feel that way. Still, the number of games with RT support continues to grow, and most of those also support Nvidia's DLSS technology, something AMD hasn't fully countered even if FSR2 can at times come close. If you want the best DXR/RT experience right now, Nvidia still wins hands down.AMD's GPUs can also be used for professional and content creation tasks, but here things get a bit hit and miss. Certain apps in the SPECviewperf suite run great on AMD hardware, others come up short. However, if you want to do AI or deep learning research, there's no question Nvidia's cards are a far better pick. For this generation, the RX 7900 XTX is AMD's fastest option, and it definitely packs a punch. If you're willing to step down to the 7900 XT, that's also worth considering (see below), as it tends to be priced better now. AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX review 3. GeForce RTX 4070 A Balanced High-End Nvidia GPU Specifications GPU: AD104 GPU Cores: 5888 Boost Clock: 2,475 MHz Video RAM: 12GB GDDR6X 21 Gbps TGP: 200 watts Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at mwave View at Best Deal 4 U Reasons to buy Excellent efficiency and good performance Good for 1440p gaming DLSS, DLSS 3, and DXR features Reasons to avoid Generational price hike Frame Generation marketing 12GB is the minimum we'd want with a $400+ GPU Nvidia's RTX 4070 didn't blow us away with extreme performance or value... but it's generally equal to the previous generation RTX 3080, comes with the latest Ada Lovelace architecture and features, and costs $100 less (though note that the RTX 3070 and above are effectively discontinued now). Also, the RTX 4070 costs $200 less than the next step up, the RTX 4070 Ti: 85% of the performance for 75% of the price.Nvidia's not going to win any awards for offering a great value, as it charges the absolute maximum it feels it can get away with. At the same time, it looks better than a lot of other possibilities. In our overall performance rankings, it's basically tied with AMD's new RX 7800 XT — slightly slower in rasterization, faster in ray tracing, plus it has DLSS support — but the real advantage is in power requirements. With a 200W TGP, it uses about 60W less power than the reference RX 7800 XT.Nvidia is always keen to point out how much faster the RTX 40-series is, once you enable DLSS 3 Frame Generation. As we've said before, these generated frames aren't the same as "real" frames and increase input latency. It's not that DLSS 3 is bad, but we prefer to compare non-enhanced performance, and in terms of feel we'd say DLSS 3 improves the experience over the baseline by 10–20 percent, not the 50–100 percent you'll see in Nvidia's performance charts.The RTX 4070 has been pretty much available at MSRP since it launched, which again speaks to the lack of demand for "upper mainstream" parts that carry high-end pricing. Factory overclocked cards with extra RGB cost the usual $20–$50 extra. We still can't help but feel the cards are a bit overpriced, but there's no question the RTX 4070 easily beats the previous generation RTX 3070 Ti in performance at the same $599 price point — it's about 23% faster overall. 4. GeForce RTX 4060 The Best Budget Nvidia Option Specifications GPU: Ada AD107 GPU Cores: 3072 Boost Clock: 2,460 MHz Video RAM: 8GB GDDR6 17 Gbps TGP: 115 watts Reasons to buy +Great 1080p performance +Very efficient and quiet +Faster and cheaper than RTX 3060 Reasons to avoid -Only 8GB of VRAM -128-bit memory interface It seems more like an RTX 4050 With the launch of the RTX 4060, Nvidia has just about wrapped up this generation of desktop graphics cards based on the Ada Lovelace architecture. There's still potentially a desktop 4050 in the works, as well as refresh parts if needed (i.e. we could see a new variant of the RTX 20-series 'Super' models), but for now this is as low as Nvidia goes with the RTX 40-series.There are certainly drawbacks. Nvidia opted to cut down the memory interface to just 128 bits, which in turn limits the memory capacity options. Nvidia could do a 16GB card if it really wanted, but 8GB is the standard configuration and we don't expect anything else — only the 4060 Ti 16GB has the doubled VRAM option, and we weren't particularly impressed by that card. The 4060-class cards also have an x8 PCIe interface, though in practice that shouldn't matter.The good news is that, as promised, performance is faster than the previous generation RTX 3060, by about 20% at 1080p and 1440p. There are edge cases in some games (meaning, 4K at max settings) where the 12GB on the 3060 can pull ahead, but performance is already well below the acceptable level at that point. As an example, Borderlands 3  ran at 26.5 fps on the 4060 versus 28.9 fps on the 3060 at 4K Badass settings; neither is a great experience, even though the 3060 is technically faster.There are other benefits, of course: You get all the latest Ada features, including DLSS 3 support. Also, the power draw is just 115W for the reference model, and typically won't exceed 125W on overclocked cards (like the Asus Dual OC that we used for testing). Oh, and most RTX 4060 cards won't bother with the questionable 16-pin power connector and adapter shenanigans.AMD's closest alternative is the previous generation RX 6700 XT. You get the usual results: higher rasterization performance from AMD, worse ray tracing performance, and higher power requirements — about 100W more in this case. The new RX 7700 XT meanwhile kicks pricing into a different category, so it's not really competing with the 4060 either. Depending on the games you play, the extra VRAM can put AMD ahead by up to 40% (Borderlands 3), though overall it's only 15% faster at 1440p ultra in rasterization games, and the 4060 is 25% faster in our ray tracing test suite.An alternative view is that this is an upgraded RTX 3050, with the same 115W TGP and 60% better performance. Too bad it costs $50 extra, though the 3050 was mostly priced at $300 and above until the past few months. 5. Radeon RX 7800 XT AMD's Latest 'Upper Mainstream' Offering Specifications GPU: RDNA 3 Navi 32 GPU Cores: 3840 Boost Clock: 2,430 MHz Video RAM: 16GB GDDR6 19.5 Gbps TBP: 263 watts Reasons to buy Plenty of VRAM and 256-bit interface Great for 1440p and 1080p Strong in rasterization testing More efficient than RDNA 2, plus AV1 and DP2.1 Reasons to avoid Only slightly faster than RX 6800 XT Still lacking in DXR and AI performance Somewhat noisy reference design AMD has mostly completed it's new RDNA 3 GPU lineup with the release of Navi 32 and the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT. Of the two cards, the 7800 XT is the clearly superior option: It's up to 20% faster and 'only' costs 11% more. Which isn't to say it's a win in every possible way, as it's also only 5% faster than the existing RX 6800 XT and inherits the same $500 going rate of that card. Still, it does have a few advantages.Performance in general may only be slightly improved, but the 7800 XT uses about 45W less power than the 6800 XT in our testing. Alternatively, it provides basically the same performance as the 6900 XT, while using less power and at a lower online price. It also adds the AV1 encoding support and DP2.1 video output, plus improved compute and AI capabilities — it's about 45% faster than the 6800 XT in Stable Diffusion, for example.Given Navi 22 powered the RX 6700-class GPUs, it would have made more sense to have Navi 32 likewise power the RX 7700-class GPUs. In that case, the generational upgrade from the 6700 XT would have been excellent, as the RX 7800 XT is about 60% faster. But then we'd also be talking about a new $499 MSRP device replacing a former $479 MSRP card, which is now selling for around $320. The remaining inventory and bang for the buck remains a sticking point for AMD GPUs, in other words.Compared to the Nvidia competition, the RX 7800 XT greatly outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti, leading by 26% overall at 1440p, and 40% when confining the testing to rasterization games. However, the RTX 4060 Ti costs $100 less (and the 16GB model doesn't really help in a meaningful way). The RTX 4070 meanwhile offers 6% more performance at 1440p, and 27% higher ray tracing performance (rasterization performance is basically tied), while costing $100 extra. So there's no truly direct competition, and AMD carves out a niche at the $500 mark.Ultimately, it's the usual story from AMD: Better rasterization performance, worse ray tracing, AI, and upscaling results, at a generally competitive price. If the price drops another $50, though, this becomes a far more interesting option. 5. Radeon RX 7800 XT AMD's Latest 'Upper Mainstream' Offering Specifications GPU: RDNA 3 Navi 32 GPU Cores: 3840 Boost Clock: 2,430 MHz Video RAM: 16GB GDDR6 19.5 Gbps TBP: 263 watts Reasons to buy Plenty of VRAM and 256-bit interface Great for 1440p and 1080p Strong in rasterization testing More efficient than RDNA 2, plus AV1 and DP2.1 Reasons to avoid Only slightly faster than RX 6800 XT Still lacking in DXR and AI performance Somewhat noisy reference design AMD has mostly completed it's new RDNA 3 GPU lineup with the release of Navi 32 and the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT. Of the two cards, the 7800 XT is the clearly superior option: It's up to 20% faster and 'only' costs 11% more. Which isn't to say it's a win in every possible way, as it's also only 5% faster than the existing RX 6800 XT and inherits the same $500 going rate of that card. Still, it does have a few advantages.Performance in general may only be slightly improved, but the 7800 XT uses about 45W less power than the 6800 XT in our testing. Alternatively, it provides basically the same performance as the 6900 XT, while using less power and at a lower online price. It also adds the AV1 encoding support and DP2.1 video output, plus improved compute and AI capabilities — it's about 45% faster than the 6800 XT in Stable Diffusion, for example.Given Navi 22 powered the RX 6700-class GPUs, it would have made more sense to have Navi 32 likewise power the RX 7700-class GPUs. In that case, the generational upgrade from the 6700 XT would have been excellent, as the RX 7800 XT is about 60% faster. But then we'd also be talking about a new $499 MSRP device replacing a former $479 MSRP card, which is now selling for around $320. The remaining inventory and bang for the buck remains a sticking point for AMD GPUs, in other words.Compared to the Nvidia competition, the RX 7800 XT greatly outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti, leading by 26% overall at 1440p, and 40% when confining the testing to rasterization games. However, the RTX 4060 Ti costs $100 less (and the 16GB model doesn't really help in a meaningful way). The RTX 4070 meanwhile offers 6% more performance at 1440p, and 27% higher ray tracing performance (rasterization performance is basically tied), while costing $100 extra. So there's no truly direct competition, and AMD carves out a niche at the $500 mark.Ultimately, it's the usual story from AMD: Better rasterization performance, worse ray tracing, AI, and upscaling results, at a generally competitive price. If the price drops another $50, though, this becomes a far more interesting option. 7. Radeon RX 6700 XT Great Performance at a Good Price Specifications GPU: Navi 22 GPU Cores: 2560 Boost Clock: 2581 MHz Video RAM: 12GB GDDR6 16 Gbps TBP: 230 watts View at Amazon Reasons to buy Great 1080p and 1440p performance Plenty of VRAM Good price to performance ratio Reasons to avoid Weaker RT performance FSR2 can't defeat DLSS Future RDNA 3 models AMD's previous generation midrange/high-end offering follows the usual path, trimming down the top model Navi 21 GPU to create a smaller die that can sell at lower prices. That's AMD's Navi 22 and the RX 6700 XT. The RX 6750 XT is the same GPU, with slightly higher clock speeds, memory speeds, and power consumption — about 5% faster overall. Give some thought to the RX 6700 10GB as well, which offers less performance but also costs less (assuming you can still find one in stock).In terms of pricing and performance, the RX 6700 XT still fills the pricing gap between the new RX  7600 and the RX 7700 XT. It's about $70 more than the former and $120 less than the latter, and it doesn't look like AMD has any plans for a replacement (i.e. an RX 7700 non-XT). The RX 6700 XT trades blows with the new RTX 4060, with the usual better rasterization but worse ray tracing performance. Whether that matters is up to the individual, but AMD also provides 12GB VRAM while Nvidia's new card consumes about 90W less power.This is the lone remaining holdout for the previous generation, and it's tough to imaging it going away any time soon. Perhaps the RX 7700 XT will come down in price, but while inventory of the 6700-class remains, those would simply drop in response. The 6700 XT still offers a relatively potent upgrade over the RX 7600, outperforming the new chip by 28% at 1440p. Maybe we eventually get an RX 7700 non-XT, but that seems unlikely given AMD's current product stack. 8. Intel Arc A750 Team Blue's Budget-Friendly Option Specifications GPU: ACM-G10 GPU Cores: 3584 Boost Clock: 2,400 MHz Video RAM: 8GB GDDR6 16 Gbps TDP: 225 watts Today's Best Deals Reasons to buy Great value at current prices Excellent video codec support Good overall performance Reasons to avoid Needs modern PC with ReBAR support Not particularly efficient Driver issues still occur Testing the Intel Arc A750 was a bit like dealing with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. At times, performance looked excellent, sometimes surpassing the GeForce RTX 3060. Other times, Arc came up far short of expectations, trailing the RTX 3050. The drivers continued to improve, however, and with prices now starting at less than $200, this represents an excellent value — just note that some of the cost savings will ultimately show up in your electrical bill, as it's not as efficient as the competition.There are some compromises, like the 8GB of VRAM — the A770 Limited Edition doubles that to 16GB, but also costs around $100 extra. Intel's A750 also has to go up against AMD's RX 7600, which is the primary competition at this price (even if AMD's prices have recently increased). Depending on the game, performance may end up favoring one or the other, though Intel now holds the overall edge by a scant 2% at 1080p ultra. Like Nvidia GPUs, ray tracing games tend to favor Intel, while rasterization games are more in the AMD camp.Intel was the first company to deliver hardware accelerated AV1 encoding and decoding support, and QuickSync continues to deliver an excellent blend of encoding performance and quality. There's also XeSS, basically a direct competitor to Nvidia's DLSS, except it uses Arc's Matrix cores when present, and can even fall back into DP4a mode for non-Arc GPUs. But DLSS 2 still comes out on top, and it's in far more games. The Arc A750 isn't a knockout blow, by any stretch, but it's also nice to have a third player in the GPU arena. The A750 competes with the RTX 3060 and leaves us looking forward to Intel's future Arc Battlemage GPUs, even if they're probably a year out. You should also check out the Arc A770 16GB, if you're willing to give Intel a chance, though it's a steep upsell these days. 10. Nvidia RTX 4080 The Second Fastest GPU, Still Very Expensive Specifications GPU: AD103 GPU Cores: 9728 Boost Clock: 2,505 MHz Video RAM: 16GB GDDR6 22.4 Gbps TGP: 320 watts Reasons to buy Good efficiency and architecture Second fastest GPU overall Handles 4K ultra, with DLSS 3 Reasons to avoid Largish step down from RTX 4090 Way more expensive than RTX 3080 Only a 256-bit memory interface The RTX 4080 represents everything people dislike about Nvidia's 40-series lineup. It's faster than every previous generation RTX 30-series part, sure, outperforming the RTX 3090 Ti by up to 20%. But the name suggests it's the replacement for the RTX 3080, a card that launched at $699. Nvidia went from $699 for an xx80-class GPU to $1,199 in one generation! Up to 50% higher performance, but also for 71% more money.Still, the RTX 4080 warrants a look for some people, as it costs nearly $1,000 less than the top RTX 4090 and still offers all the same features. Just with a bit less performance and VRAM. Overall, it's up to 25% slower than the 4090, for a bit more than half the price, though looking at MSRPs it's only supposed to be 31% less money. That's not the usual case of diminishing returns we see at the top of the GPU hierarchy, where the previous RTX 3090 was only 20% faster than the 3080 but cost over twice as much. People would give the 4080 a lot more love if it was priced under $1,000.AMD's competition is also a factor to consider. The RX 7900 XTX matches the RTX 4080 in rasterization performance, for about $150 less. But the 7900 XT doesn't give you DLSS 2, 3, or 3.5 with Ray Reconstruction. And the 4080 is already over 30% faster than the 7900 XTX in ray tracing without those features. And for AI, even in Stable Diffusion where there's good support for both AMD and Nvidia hardware, the 4080 is about triple the performance of the 7900 XTX. The biggest problem is that graphics cards costing over $1,000 have a very limited audience. Basically, they're for gamers with very deep pockets. If you're building an extreme gaming PC, you might be looking at $3,000 or more for all of the parts, including an RTX 4080. At that point, why not just fork over the extra $500 to upgrade to an RTX 4090 instead? The cynics among us would point out that this is probably precisely what Nvidia would like you to do. After all, being second fastest isn't really worth major bragging rights. 11. Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti Best Graphics Cards for Gaming in 2024 Mainstream Nvidia Ada for $400 Specifications GPU: AD106 GPU Cores: 4352 Boost Clock: 2,535 MHz Video RAM: 8GB GDDR6 18 Gbps TGP: 160 watts Reasons to buy Great efficiency Latest Nvidia architecture Generally faster than 3060 Ti Reasons to avoid 8GB and 128-bit bus for $399? Less VRAM than RTX 3060 DLSS 3 is no magic bullet What is this, 2016? A brand-new, $399 graphics card launching with only 8GB of memory? We thought we had left that era in the past after the RTX 3060 gave us 12GB, but Nvidia seems more intent on cost-cutting and market segmentation these days. But the RTX 4060 Ti does technically beat the previous generation RTX 3060 Ti, by 10–15 percent overall in our testing. There are plenty of reasons to waffle on this one. The larger L2 cache does mostly overcome the limited bandwidth from the 128-bit interface, but cache hit rates go down as resolution increases, meaning 1440p and especially 4K can be problematic. At least the price is the same as the outgoing RTX 3060 Ti, and you do get some new features. Also, we wouldn't bother with the 4060 Ti 16GB variant, unless you really just need more VRAM capacity — it doesn't really help except at 4K ultra, at which point the performance still tends to be poor. The 16GB card now only has a $50 premium, however, so there are niche use cases like AI LLMs where it may be useful. If you were previously looking at the RTX 3060 Ti, and you don't want to consider an AMD or Intel alternative, this was the least expensive Ada Lovelace / RTX 40-series GPU — but the RTX 4060 above has now taken over that title. The RTX 4060 also has fewer GPU cores and less L2 cache size, so it very much ends up as a GPU that warrants its $299 price tag.Looking at performance, the 4060 Ti generally manages 1440p ultra at 60 fps in rasterization games, but for ray tracing you'll want to stick with 1080p — or use DLSS. Frame Generation is heavily used in Nvidia's marketing materials, and it can provide a significant bump to your fps. However, it's more of a frame smoothing technique as it interpolates between two frames and doesn't apply any new user input to the generated frame.Besides that, you get better ray tracing hardware and AV1 encoding support. Nvidia's new mainstream GPU is also about 35% faster than AMD's new RX 7600 in our rasterization tests, for about 50% more money. Factor in ray tracing and it's more like a 50% increase in performance for 50% more money. That's okay, but then the RX 7600 isn't an awesome new offering either. There's a reason this ranks down near the bottom of our list: It's definitely serviceable, but a price cut would go a long way toward sweetening the deal. Nerdcore Graphics Cards Performance Results Our updated test suite of games consists of 15 titles. The data in the following charts is from testing conducted during the past several months. Only the fastest cards are tested at 1440p and 4K, but we do our best to test everything at 1080p medium and ultra.For each resolution, the first chart shows the geometric mean (i.e. equal weighting) for all 15 games. The second chart shows performance in the nine rasterization games, and the third chart focuses in on ray tracing performance in six games. Then we'll have the 15 individual game charts, for those who like to see all the data.AMD's FSR has now been out for about two years now, with FSR 2.0 now having surpassed the year mark. Nvidia's DLSS 2 has been around since mid-2019, while Intel's XeSS formally launched in October 2023. Twelve of the games in our test suite support DLSS 2, five more support DLSS 3, five now support FSR2, and four support XeSS. However, we're running all of the benchmarks at native resolution for these tests. We have a separate article looking at FSR and DLSS, and the bottom line is that DLSS and XeSS improve performance with less compromise to image quality, but FSR2 works on any GPU. The charts below contain nearly all of the current RTX 40/30-series, RX 7000/6000-series, and Intel's Arc A-series graphics cards. Our GPU benchmarks hierarchy contains additional results for those who are interested, along with performance testing from our 2020-2021 suite running on a Core i9-9900K. The charts are color coded with AMD in red, Nvidia in blue, and Intel in gray to make it easier to see what's going on.The following charts are up to date as of January 10, 2024. Nearly all current generation and previous generation GPUs are included in nerdcore graphics cards reviews. Power, Clocks, and Temperatures Author Nerdcore Computers We have sourced out information from NVIDIA an GEFORCE MSI to conclude our own review on what we think the best video cards will be in 2024..

About this item 14.0-inch HD (1366 x 768) LED-Backlit Touch Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8145U Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.9 GHz) 1TB Solid State Drive, 16GB 2x8GB DDR4 2666MHz SD card | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Security cable slot | Power | HDMI 1.4b | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Universal audio jack Windows 11 Home 64-bit English, 0.78" thin, Weight: 3.88lb (1.76kg) Shipping any were in Australia Dell Inspiron 5481 Laptop I3-8145U 2.1GHz 16GB RAM 1Tb SSD WIN11 TouchDell Inspiron 5481 Laptop I3-8145U 2.1GHz 16GB RAM 1Tb SSD WIN11 Touch Dell Inspiron 5481 Laptop I3-8145U 2.1GHz 16GB RAM 1Tb SSD WIN11 Touch Other Technical Details 12 Months Warranty New battery installed Key benefits - Excellent for work or school or business the touch feature an the large 14 inch FHD screen is nice to work with. The speed of the 8th gen core i3 is fast enough to run most applications an always will perform on the larger files. Long battery life means all day use. With connectivity like blue tooth an wireless you can connect to any hot spot an expect to stream videos an music with ease. Buy now click here $950.00

Common online security risks and advice on what you can do to protect yourself.Threats Business email compromise Protect your business and employees from phishing attacks designed to steal your money, goods or information. Common online security risks and advice on what you can do to protect yourself. Common online security risks and advice on what you can do to protect yourself. What is a data breach? Hacking Identity theft Small Business Cyber Security Guide All information provided has been reused only for distribution of information to educate our customers an the Australian Public of the current scams. This information is vital for you to read which could prevent your business being attacked by a cyber attacks.

Intel’s 14th Gen provides great performance in creative apps, but it’s not enough to beat AMD’s gaming chops As the 14900K is just a refresh, it means you don’t need to worry about a new motherboard if you’ve already got a 12900K or 13900K. Intel is still using its LGA 1700 socket here, and existing Z690 and Z790 motherboards fully support the latest 14th Gen chips. You’ll need to install a BIOS update on the motherboard, but that’s an easy process on most modern boards. There’s no new motherboards or chipsets this year, but motherboard makers have been refreshing some of their Z790 offerings to bundle in the Wi-Fi 7 support that the Core i9-14900K provides. For my testing, I installed the chip on MSI’s MAG Z790 Carbon WiFi. It has everything you need to take advantage of the 14900K, including four M.2 slots that all support PCIe Gen 4 speeds and a single M.2 slot for PCIe Gen 5 (or below). The 14900K is still built on Intel’s 7 process and its x86 performance hybrid architecture. That means there are performance cores (P-cores) and efficiency cores (E-cores) that split workloads using Intel’s Thread Director, an embedded microcontroller inside the CPU that monitors threads and ensures they’re running on the correct cores. The core counts haven’t changed this year, but Intel is now supporting DDR5 5600 and DDR4 3200 memory speeds. Unlike AMD and its switch to AM5, Intel continues to maintain DDR4 compatibility for motherboard makers that ship with DDR4 support instead of DDR5. I have tested a variety of workloads, synthetic benchmarks, and games across both Intel’s Core i9-14900K, comparing it against the previous generation chips and AMD’s competitors. All tests were run on the latest Windows 11 updates with VBS security off, Resizable BAR enabled, and MSI’s game boost disabled. All games were tested at 1080p with high or ultra settings. Intel’s new Core i9-14900K comfortably beats AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X and 7950X3D in every creator task that I tested. The 13900K from last year was already beating AMD in most of these creator tasks anyway, but the 14900K extends that lead slightly. I say slightly because all of the improvements are under 5 percent here, and even the gaming gains are only slight, too. Geekbench 5 single-thread and Cinebench 2024 single-thread performance both show the 14900K beating the 13900K by 4 percent, with the Pugetbench Premiere Pro and Photoshop tests are up just 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively. If you’re looking for the best chip for creator tasks, then the 14900K delivers here, but there’s little reason to upgrade from a 13th Gen model. If you’re on a 12th Gen chip, then you’ll get the huge performance benefits of moving to a 13th Gen one and a little bit on top with the 14th Gen, but if you can find a 13900K for less than the cost of the 14th Gen, there’s little reason to spend more. We also perform a standard video test at The Verge, where we export a five-minute 4K video using Adobe Premiere Pro. I used the latest Premiere Pro 2023 release for this alongside the RTX 4090, and it exported in two minutes and 31 seconds. That’s just a few seconds of improvement over the two minutes and 39 seconds that I recorded when I tested the 13900K last year, further reflecting the small performance increase you’re getting with the flagship 14th Gen chip. I used Nvidia’s RTX 4090 for game testing across all Intel and AMD chips. Surprisingly, the 14900K lost out to AMD’s 7800X3D in every single gaming test that I ran. We saw the same with the 13900K losing every gaming benchmark earlier this year, and Intel’s 14900K still doesn’t answer the superior performance that AMD’s 3D V-Cache delivers. The gap between the 14900K and the 7800X3D is around 4 percent in most games, with some managing to perform surprisingly well on the 7800X3D thanks to the 3D V-Cache boosts. Much like the creator benchmarks, the performance boost that the 14900K delivers over the 13900K is minimal. In most games, it’s less than 5 percent better, with the exception of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, where the 14900K manages to deliver scores that are far more competitive with the 7800X3D. While there’s a small performance gain generation over generation with the 14900K, there’s no efficiency or thermal gains. The 14900K still runs just as hot and power-hungry as the 13900K. During a Cinebench R23 multithread benchmark, I recorded temperatures of 105C. That’s the same temperature that I saw on the 13900K and 2C more than the standard 13900K. AMD’s 7950X managed to reach 96C during the same test, with the 7900X maxing out at 92C during the Cinebench test. The 7950X3D managed to max out at 88C during the same test. While the 14900K still beats the 7950X3D by nearly 9 percent during this Cinebench R23 multithread test, the fact AMD manages to come close at nearly 20C cooler shows just how much Intel is pushing the limits here. Those limits extend to power usage, too. In the same Cinebench test, the 14900K maxes out at 324 watts, but the 7950X3D only hits 147 watts. That’s a huge difference in power draw, with Intel drawing 120 percent more power for a nearly 9 percent performance improvement. And when you look at the gaming side of things, the 7800X3D and 7950X3D simply run a lot cooler most of the time and use far less energy than the 14900K. It’s hard to recommend the 14900K this year unless you really want the best creator performance out there and you don’t care about your energy bills or the sheer heat it produces. AMD’s 7800X3D is simply a better choice for gaming, particularly as it’s easy to find for under $400 compared to the $589 (and likely above) pricing for the 14900K. Intel still needs an answer to AMD’s 3D V-Cache, and it’s not clear when that’s going to arrive. Rumors point to an Intel Arrow Lake desktop CPU launch next year, with a socket swap to LGA 1851. The 14th Gen feels like the end of LGA 1700 and, with it, a whimper of performance improvements. Meanwhile, Intel is losing out on the gaming side of performance but still dominating for creative tasks. That will make the choice difficult for those who need both gaming and creative app performance. But for those just looking to game, the choice is obvious.

Samsung U32J590UQE 31.5" 4K LCD Monitor Description Samsung U32J590UQE 31.5" 4K LCD Monitor - 16:9 - Dark Blue Gray - 812.80 mm Class - Vertical Alignment (VA) - 3840 x 2160 - 1.07 Billion Colors - FreeSync - 270 cd/m² - 4 ms - 60 Hz Refresh Rate - HDMI - DisplayPort Widescreen UHD With 4x the pixels of Full HD, the 31.5" UJ59 delivers more screen space and amazingly life-like UHD images. That means you can view documents and webpages with less scrolling, work more comfortably with multiple windows and toolbars, and enjoy photos, videos and games in stunning 4K quality. A billion colour shades Supporting a billion shades of colour, the UJ59 delivers incredibly vivid and realistic images. Its accuracy means colours appear more natural and true to life, making the UJ59 useful for photo, video and graphics applications Widescreen 4K Gaming Discover 4K gaming in true widescreen on the 31.5" UJ59 monitor. With 8.3 million pixels supporting a wider range of colours and resolving every image with simply astonishing clarity, 4K gaming is a truly thrilling and immersive experience. Smooth Gameplay AMD FreeSync is designed to synchronise the refresh rate of your graphics card and monitor to reduce image tear and stutter. And Low Input Lag is designed to help minimize the delay between mouse, keyboard, or joystick input and onscreen response for a smooth gaming experience. Game Mode Game Mode is designed to optimise screen contrast. By selectively boosting contrast in scenes, Game Mode reveals detail in dark areas to let you spot your enemies fast. Superb upscaling Samsung's UHD upscaling technology includes signal analysis and detail enhancement that converts SD, HD and Full HD content such that it can be used on this UHD monitor Slim bezels Framed by slim screen bezels and finished in stylish matte black, the UJ59 sits elegantly on any desktop. And its Y-shaped stand provides a firm footing and a refined metallic touch. Features 16:9 widescreen resolution perfect for watching movies, playing video games and getting on with office work DisplayPort interface that transmits both audio and video signals through a single connection to deliver versatile performance Features HDMI input to get connected with the top of the line PCs, Blu-ray players, and cutting edge gaming consoles HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) offers fantastic sound/video quality and single-cable comfort HDMI interface allows you to connect to a variety of HD devices including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, laptop PCs, digital cameras and many others for the ultimate true high-definition display Over half a million pixels than UHD (3840x2160) and four times than Full HD makes you view even the finest details clearly to carry out intricate work for higher quality output The 4K screen mode provides crisp images with more than 8 million pixels Freesync technology ensures that the refresh rates between your graphics card and monitor are synchronized to reduce video distortion Put an end to choppy gameplay and broken frames with fluid, artefact-free performance at virtually any framerate with FreeSync technology VESA mount compatibility allows you to mount the display on a wall or with a stand depending on your specific needs 270 cd/m² brightness gives an exceptional visible display for clear and consistent on-screen pictures Furnishes captivating visuals with 270 cd/m² brightness levels 4 ms GTG response time diminishes ghosting, blurring, and streaking in fast-moving games and movies Specifications : Audio Video Technical Information General Information Interfaces/Ports Physical Characteristics Buy it now 700.00

Model Name Graphics Processing Unit Interface Core Clocks CUDA® CORES Memory Speed Memory Memory Bus Output HDCP Support Power consumption Power connectors Recommended PSU Card Dimension (mm) Weight (Card / Package) DirectX Version Support OpenGL Version Support Maximum Displays G-SYNC® technology Digital Maximum Resolution GeForce RTX™ 4060 GAMING X 8G NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 PCI Express® Gen 4 x 8 Extreme Performance: 2610MHz (MSI Center) MSI Geforce Gaming 4060 RTX Gaming Graphics Card Boost: 2595 MHz 3072 Units 17 Gbps 8GB GDDR6 128-bit DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) HDMI™ x 1 (Supports 4K@120Hz HDR and 8K@60Hz HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) as specified in HDMI™ 2.1a) Y 115 W 8-pin x 1 550 W 247 x 130 x 41 mm 587 g / 1000 g 12 Ultimate 4.6 4 Y 7680 x 4320 BUY IT NOW $760.00

Purchase this Panasonic toughpad for your business in 2024 Panasonic Fz-g1 Mk4 - Buy this product now core i5 - 6400u 2.9ghz 8gb ram 256 gb ssd hard drive storage Wifi + modem GPS - GPRS sim card for mobile internet Webcam front an back extra long battery life double the standard battery screen size is 10 inch Bluetooth Wireless connection long range only 300 hours on the toughpad condition is like new an 12 months return to base warranty provided Total cost is $1800.00 Panasonic Fz-G1 Mk4 Toughpad on sale Buy this product now Click here

What a year its been, with so many wonderful memories an exciting jobs we have created an our team has had the pleasure of being part of in 2023. We want to thank everyone, all the families, an close friends we have made along way. We hope your Christmas is a wonderful one an may a prosperous New Year in 2024. Nerdcore Computers services will be running right through the holiday season so if your computer breaks or you just need to talk to us give our team a ring on 1300637326. From our team have a wonderful Holiday Season. Warm Wishes Nick Veloutsos Owner

Discover your options for getting a service and repairs for Apple devices that are past their warranty period. Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac or Apple TV products may get a service and parts from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores and Independent Repair Providers, for a minimum of 5 years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale. Service and parts may be obtained for longer, as required by law, or for up to 7 years, subject to parts availability. Additionally, Mac notebooks may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period for up to 10 years from when the product was last distributed for sale, subject to parts availability. Apple discontinues hardware service for certain technologically-obsolete products. Your device is supported by ongoing OS updates and backed by a network of more than 5,000 Apple-certified repair locations that you can count on if something unexpected happens. Apple and the environment Apple devices are designed to be long-lasting. They are made of durable materials that are heavily tested in our Reliability Testing Lab. The longer you use your device, the better it is for the planet. For more information about Apple and the environment, go to https://www.apple.com/au/environment. About vintage products Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. For products purchased in France, see Statutory Warranties of Seller and Spare Parts.Owners of new iPhone or Mac notebook products purchased after 31 December 2020 in France may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for 7 years from the date the product model was last supplied by Apple for distribution into France. Find out which products are vintage an repair mac service options Mac iPod iPhone iPad Beats Apple Watch About apple obsolete products that can be repaired by nerdcore computers Products are considered obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 7 years ago. Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased. Apple discontinues all hardware services for obsolete products, with the sole exception of Mac notebooks that are eligible for an additional battery-only repair period. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. Find out which products are obsolete: Mac iPod iPhone iPad Beats Mac products vintage worldwide Mac notebooks MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) repairs MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014) repairs MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014) repairs MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) repairs MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013) repairs MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014) repairs MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014) repairs Mac desktops repairs iMac (21.5-inch, Early 2013) repairs iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) repairs iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) repairs iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014) repairs iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) repairs iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015) repairs Mac Pro (Mid 2012) repairs Peripherals AirPort Express 802.11n (1st generation) Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch) Apple LED Cinema Display (27-inch) Mac products obsolete worldwide Mac notebooks iBook iBook (800 MHz 32 VRAM) iBook (900 MHz 32 VRAM) iBook (14.1 LCD) iBook (14.1 LCD 900 MHz 32VRAM) iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM) iBook (14.1 LCD 32 VRAM) iBook (16 VRAM) iBook (Opaque 16 VRAM) iBook (32 VRAM) iBook Special Edition (FireWire) iBook (Dual USB) iBook (FireWire) iBook (Late 2001) iBook G4 [original] iBook G4 (Early 2004) iBook G4 (12-inch, Late 2004) iBook G4 (14-inch) iBook G4 (14-inch, Early 2004) iBook G4 (14-inch, Late 2004) iBook G4 (12-inch, Mid 2005) iBook G4 (14-inch, Mid 2005) MacBook (13-inch) MacBook (13-inch, Late 2006) MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2007) MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007) MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008) MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008) MacBook (13-inch, Aluminium, Late 2008) MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009) MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009) MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010) MacBook Air [original] repairs MacBook Air (Late 2008) repairs MacBook Air (Mid 2009) repairs MacBook Air (11-inch, Late 2010) repairs MacBook Air (13-inch, Late 2010) repairs MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2011) repairs MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011) repairs MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012) repairs MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012) repairs MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013) repairs MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013) repairs MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) repairs MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) repairs MacBook Pro [original] repairs MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Glossy) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.4/2.2GHz) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Core 2 Duo) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Core 2 Duo) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, 2.4GHz) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) repairs MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) repairs MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) repairs MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012) repairs MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012) repairs MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2012) repairs PowerBook 100 to PowerBook 540c (all models) PowerBook 1400 (all models) PowerBook 2400 to 5300cs (all models) PowerBook Duo Dock (all models) PowerBook Duo (all models) PowerBook (FireWire) PowerBook G3 PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard) PowerBook G3 Series PowerBook G4 PowerBook G4 (DVI) PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) PowerBook G4 (1GHz/867MHz) PowerBook G4 (12-inch) PowerBook G4 (12-inch, 1.33Ghz) PowerBook G4 (12-inch DVI) PowerBook G4 (15-inch, 1.5/1.33Ghz) PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5Ghz) PowerBook G4 (15-inch, FW800) PowerBook G4 (17-inch) PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.33Ghz) PowerBook G4 (17-inch, 1.5Ghz) PowerBook G4 (15-inch, 1.67/1.5Ghz) PowerBook G4 (17-inch, 1.67Ghz) PowerBook G4 (12-inch, 1.5Ghz) PowerBook G4 (15-inch, Double-Layer SD) PowerBook G4 (17-inch, Double-Layer SD) Mac desktops Apple I Apple II (all models) Apple III Apple Network Server (all models) Apple Workgroup Server (all models) eMac [original] eMac (ATI Graphics) eMac (USB 2.0) eMac (2005) iMac 233 MHz iMac 266/333 MHz iMac 350 MHz iMac G5 (17-inch) iMac G5 ALS (17-inch) iMac G5 (20-inch) iMac G5 ALS (20-inch) iMac 400 MHz DV iMac 400 MHz DV (Special Edition) iMac (Flat Panel) iMac (17-inch, Flat Panel) iMac (17-inch Flat Panel, 1GHz) iMac (Summer 2000) iMac (Summer 2000) DV iMac (Summer 2000) DV Special Edition iMac (Summer 2001) iMac (Early 2001) iMac (Flat Panel 2003) iMac (USB 2.0) iMac G5 (17-inch, iSight) iMac (17-inch, Early 2006) iMac (17-inch, Mid 2006) iMac (17-inch, Late 2006) iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD) iMac (20-inch, Early 2006) iMac (20-inch, Late 2006) iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007) iMac (20-inch, Early 2008) iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009) iMac (21.5-inch) iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010) iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2011) iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012) iMac (24-inch) iMac (24-inch, Mid 2007) iMac (24-inch, Early 2008) iMac (24-inch, Early 2009) iMac (27-inch, Late 2009) iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011) iMac (27-inch, Late 2012) iMac G5 (20-inch, iSight) Lisa Lisa 2 Mac mini [original] Mac mini (Late 2005) Mac mini (Early 2006) Mac mini (Late 2006) Mac mini (Mid 2007) Mac mini (Early 2009) Mac mini (Late 2009) Mac mini (Mid 2010) Mac mini Server (Mid 2010) Mac mini (Mid 2011) Mac mini Server (Mid 2011) Mac mini (Late 2012) Mac mini Server (Late 2012) Mac Pro Mac Pro (Early 2008) Mac Pro (Early 2009) Mac Pro (Mid 2010) Macintosh 128K/512K/512Ke Macintosh Centris (all models) Macintosh Classic; Macintosh Classic II Macintosh Colour Classic/Colour Classic II Macintosh II (all models) Macintosh LC (all models) Macintosh Plus Macintosh Portable Macintosh Quadra (all models) Macintosh Quadra/Centris (all models) Macintosh SE (all models) Macintosh Server G3 Macintosh Server G3 (Blue and White) Macintosh Server G4 (Digital Audio) Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver) Macintosh Server G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) Macintosh Server G4 (AGP Graphics) Macintosh Server G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver 2002) Macintosh XL Performa (all models) Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics) Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio) Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver) Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002) Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002ED) Power Mac G4 (FW 800) Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Door 2003) Power Mac G4 Cube Power Mac G5 [original] Power Mac G5 (June 2004) Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) Power Mac G5 (Early 2005) Power Mac G5 (Late 2005) Power Macintosh 4400 to 9600 (all models) Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh Xserve [original] Xserve (Cluster Node) Xserve G5 Xserve G5 (January 2005) Xserve RAID Xserve RAID (SFP) Xserve RAID (SFP Late 2004) Xserve (Slot Load) Xserve (Late 2006) Xserve (Early 2008) Xserve (Early 2009) Peripherals 1.44 Apple SuperDrive/HDI-20 Disk Drive Airport Base Station (Graphite) Airport Base Station (Dual Ethernet) Airport Card AirPort Express [original] Airport Extreme Base Station (Early 2003) AirPort Extreme 802.11n (1st generation) AirPort Extreme 802.11n (2nd generation) AirPort Extreme 802.11n (3rd generation) AirPort Extreme 802.11n (4th generation) AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen) Airport Extreme [original] Apple 3.5 Drive; Apple PC 5.25 Drive Apple Basic Color Monitor Apple Battery Charger Apple CD Products (all models) Apple Cinema Display (original) Apple Cinema Display ADC Apple Cinema Display (20-inch) Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI) Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI) Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI, Late 2005) Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI, Early 2007) Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI, Late 2005) Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI, Early 2007) Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI) Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI, Late 2005) Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI, Early 2007) Apple Cinema HD Display (23-inch) Apple Cinema HD Display (30-inch) Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard Apple High-Res Monochrome Monitor Apple LED Cinema Display (24-inch) Apple Macintosh Portrait Display Apple Monochrome Monitor Apple Multiple Scan Display (all models) Apple OneScanner; Apple Color OneScanner Apple Personal Modem Apple Data Modem (all models) Apple QuickTake (all models) Apple Standard Keyboards (all models) Apple Studio Display 15-inch (all models) Apple Studio Display 15 ADC Apple Studio Display 17 Apple Studio Display 17 ADC Apple Studio Display 17 LCD Apple Studio Display 21 Apple TV (1st generation) Apple TV (2nd generation) Apple TV (3rd generation) AppleColor Monitor (all models) AppleVision Displays (all models) Color StyleWriter (all models) ColorMonitor II (all models) ColorSynch Display (all models) DDS-DC 4mm Tape Drive Disk II; Disk III DuoDisk Tape Backup 40SC eMate 300 Extended Keyboards (all models) External Hard Drive SC External SCSI Hard Drive GeoPort ImageWriter (all models) iSight LaserWriter Pro (all models) LaserWriter; LaserWriter II (all models) Macintosh Disk Drive MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch) MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch) Monitor II (all models) Newton MessagePad (all models) Performa/Performa Plus (all models) Personal LaserWriter (all models) StyleWriter (all models) Time Capsule 802.11n (1st generation) Time Capsule 802.11n (2nd generation) Time Capsule 802.11n (3rd generation) Time Capsule 802.11n (4th Gen) Two Page Monochrome Monitor UniDisk (all models) iPod products vintage worldwide iPod nano (7th generation, Late 2012) iPod shuffle (4th generation, Late 2012) iPod touch (4th generation) iPod touch (5th generation) HT204217: Identify your iPod model iPod products obsolete worldwide iPod (5th generation) iPod (5th generation, Late 2006) iPod (Click Wheel) iPod (Dock Connector) iPod (Scroll Wheel) iPod (Touch Wheel) iPod classic (80 GB and 160 GB, 2007) iPod classic (120 GB) iPod classic (160 GB) iPod Hi-Fi iPod with colour display iPod mini iPod nano (2nd generation) iPod nano (3rd generation) iPod nano (4th generation) iPod nano (6th generation) iPod touch (4th generation) iPod touch (5th generation, 16 GB, Mid 2013) HT204217: Identify your iPod model iPod nano (5th generation) 8 GB, 16 GB iPod photo iPod photo (Early 2005) iPod shuffle iPod shuffle (2nd generation) iPod shuffle (2nd generation, Late 2007) iPod shuffle (2nd generation, Late 2008) iPod shuffle (3rd generation) iPod shuffle (4th generation) iPod Special Edition U2 iPod touch iPod touch (2nd generation, 2008) iPod touch (2nd generation, 2009) iPod touch (2nd generation) 8 GB iPod touch (3rd generation) 32 GB, 64 GB iPhone products vintage worldwide iPhone 4 (8 GB) iPhone 4s iPhone 5 iPhone 5c iPhone 6 Plus HT201296: Identify your iPhone model iPhone products obsolete worldwide iPhone iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8 GB iPhone 3G 8 GB, 16 GB iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16 GB, 32 GB iPhone 3GS (8 GB) iPhone 3GS 16 GB, 32 GB iPhone 4 CDMA iPhone 4 CDMA (8 GB) iPhone 4 16 GB, 32 GB iPhone 4 GSM (8GB), Black iPhone 4s (8 GB) HT201296: Identify your iPhone model iPad products vintage worldwide iPad Air Wi-Fi iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air WiFi + Cellular (TD LTE) iPad mini Wi-Fi iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM) iPad mini Wi-Fi, 16GB, Grey iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, 16GB, Gray iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular, MM, 16GB, Gray iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular (TD-LTE) iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, CDMA iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, GSM HT201471: Identify your iPad model iPad products obsolete worldwide iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM) iPad [original] iPad 3G iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ) iPad Wi-Fi iPad Wi-Fi + 3G iPad Wi-Fi + 4G iPad Wi-Fi + 4G (Verizon) iPad 2 Wi-Fi iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon) HT201471: Identify your iPad model Beats products vintage in the US and obsolete in the rest of the world Beatbox Portable (2nd generation) Executive Mixr 1 Pill 2.0 Powerbeats (1st generation) Powerbeats 2 Powerbeats Wireless 2 Solo HD Solo2 Wireless Studio (2nd generation) Tour (2nd generation) Tour 2.5 Wireless (1.5) Beats products obsolete worldwide Beats products Beatbox Portable (1st generation) Beatbox Portable (3rd generation) Beatbox Portable 2 Pill 1.0 Monster-branded products Beatbox Diddybeats Heartbeats (1st generation) Heartbeats (2nd generation) Heartbeats (2nd generation), black Heartbeats (2nd generation), white iBeats Mixr, black Mixr, white Powerbeats (1st generation), black Powerbeats (1st generation), red Powerbeats (1st generation), white Pro, black Pro, Detox Pro, white Solo (1st generation), black Solo (1st generation), white Solo (1st generation), HTC white Solo HD, black Solo HD, black-gold Solo HD, purple Solo HD, red Solo HD, white Solo HD, Yao Ming Studio (1st generation) Studio (1st generation), Red Sox Studio (1st generation), black Studio (1st generation), blue Studio (1st generation), green Studio (1st generation), orange Studio (1st generation), pink Studio (1st generation), purple Studio (1st generation), red Studio (1st generation), Red Sox Studio (1st generation), silver Studio (1st generation), white Tour (1st generation) Tour (1st generation), black Tour (1st generation), white urbeats (1st generation), black urBeats (1st generation), matt white Wireless (1.5), black Wireless (1.5), white Wireless (1st generation)

Computer Repairs Perth, Western Australia Computer Repairs Perth Western Australiaimate Guide to Quick and Affordable Computer Repairs Across Perth, Western Australia. We service over 900 suburbs in perth & the rest of western australia. We have 1000 5 star reviews to show you that our service is very good. Computers Repairs across Perth Western Australia Who repairs computers in Peth Western Australia? At the nerdcore group we service all types of computer problems in Perth WA. So perth WA come on down we have won the people of Melbourne & Sydney. Let us win you over with our amazing service awards. We won word of mouth 2021 awards for the best Managed IT provider and we will win you over whether you like it or not. Why can we repair your computer in perth better than most IT providers because were passionate about the work we complete each day. From data recovery, to virus removal, desktop computer repairs, IT support for business and an onsite it SERVICES to people in Perth WA. Some of the major computer repairs services we offer are remote desktop login, laptop repairs, an large scale project or a company who wants to hire our computer network engineers on a contract basis. Here is a list of complete suburbs our computer repair technicians can come to your place to repair your computers fast. We offer one of the fastest computer repair services in Australia. If you see your suburbs in the list below than call our national hotline number on 1300637326. Computer Repairs Perth Western Australia We use guest post to encourage our reader to interact with our guest blogs to find out more about how our wonderful service company can help you in your life. Please take a moment to read some of our other article blogs about information technology solutions we guarantee you will be happy to read some very interesting products. Author #Nerdcore Computers

Our computers services are now available in over 200 suburbs in perth western australia. So many happy people in Perth western australia that call nerdcore computers everyday to have computer repaired. The process is very simple. We have refined the service in 4 easy steps without having to complicate you final decision. Here is a list of suburbs we have 2 computer technicians available to help you. Computer Repairs in over 200 Suburb across perth western australia Alexander Heights Wanneroo Alfred Cove Melville Alkimos Wanneroo Anketell Kwinana Applecross Melville Ardross Melville Armadale Armadale Ascot Belmont Ashby Wanneroo Ashendon Armadale Ashfield Bassendean Attadale Melville Atwell Cockburn Aubin Grove Cockburn Aveley Swan Bailup Mundaring Balcatta Stirling Baldivis Rockingham Balga Stirling Ballajura Swan Banjup Cockburn Banksia Grove Wanneroo Baskerville Swan Bassendean Bassendean Bateman Melville Bayswater Bayswater Beaconsfield Fremantle Beckenham Gosnells Bedford Bayswater Bedfordale Armadale Beechboro Swan Beechina Mundaring Beeliar Cockburn Beldon Joondalup Belhus Swan Bellevue Mundaring Swan Belmont Belmont Bentley Canning Victoria Park Bennett Springs Swan Bertram Kwinana Bibra Lake Cockburn Bickley Kalamunda Bicton Melville Booragoon Melville Boya Mundaring Brabham Swan Brentwood Melville Brigadoon Swan Brookdale Armadale Bull Creek Melville Bullsbrook Swan Burns Beach Joondalup Burswood Victoria Park Bushmead Swan Butler Wanneroo Byford Serpentine-Jarrahdale Calista Kwinana Camillo Armadale Canning Mills Kalamunda Canning Vale Canning Gosnells Cannington Canning Carabooda Wanneroo Cardup Serpentine-Jarrahdale Carine Stirling Carlisle Victoria Park Carmel Kalamunda Carramar Wanneroo Casuarina Kwinana Caversham Swan Champion Lakes Armadale Chidlow Mundaring Churchlands Stirling City Beach Cambridge Claremont Claremont Cottesloe Clarkson Wanneroo Cloverdale Belmont Cockburn Central Cockburn Como South Perth Connolly Joondalup Coogee Cockburn Coolbellup Cockburn Coolbinia Stirling Cooloongup Rockingham Cottesloe Cottesloe Craigie Joondalup Crawley Perth Cullacabardee Swan Currambine Joondalup Daglish Subiaco Dalkeith Nedlands Darch Wanneroo Darling Downs Serpentine-Jarrahdale Darlington Mundaring Dayton Swan Dianella Stirling Doubleview Stirling Duncraig Joondalup East Cannington Canning East Fremantle East Fremantle East Perth Perth Vincent East Rockingham Rockingham East Victoria Park Victoria Park Eden Hill Bassendean Edgewater Joondalup Eglinton Wanneroo Ellenbrook Swan Embleton Bayswater Ferndale Canning Floreat Cambridge Nedlands Forrestdale Armadale Forrestfield Kalamunda Fremantle Fremantle Gidgegannup Swan Girrawheen Wanneroo Glen Forrest Mundaring Glendalough Stirling Gnangara Wanneroo Golden Bay Rockingham Gooseberry Hill Kalamunda Gorrie Mundaring Gosnells Gosnells Greenmount Mundaring Greenwood Joondalup Guildford Swan Gwelup Stirling Hacketts Gully Kalamunda Hamersley Stirling Hamilton Hill Cockburn Hammond Park Cockburn Harrisdale Armadale Haynes Armadale Hazelmere Swan Heathridge Joondalup Helena Valley Mundaring Henderson Cockburn Henley Brook Swan Herdsman Stirling Herne Hill Swan High Wycombe Kalamunda Highgate Vincent Hilbert Armadale Hillarys Joondalup Hillman Rockingham Hilton Fremantle Hocking Wanneroo Hope Valley Kwinana Hopeland Serpentine-Jarrahdale Hovea Mundaring Huntingdale Gosnells Garden Island Rockingham Iluka Joondalup Inglewood Stirling Innaloo Stirling Jandabup Wanneroo Jandakot Cockburn Jane Brook Swan Jarrahdale Serpentine-Jarrahdale Jindalee Wanneroo Jolimont Cambridge Subiaco Joondalup Joondalup Joondanna Stirling Kalamunda Kalamunda Kallaroo Joondalup Karawara South Perth Kardinya Melville Karnup Rockingham Karragullen Armadale Karrakatta Nedlands Karrakup Serpentine-Jarrahdale Karrinyup Stirling Kelmscott Armadale Kensington South Perth Victoria Park Kenwick Gosnells Keralup Murray Rockingham Kewdale Belmont Kalamunda Keysbrook Serpentine-Jarrahdale Kiara Swan Kingsley Joondalup Kinross Joondalup Koondoola Wanneroo Koongamia Swan Kwinana Beach Kwinana Kwinana Town Centre Kwinana Lake Coogee Cockburn Landsdale Wanneroo Langford Gosnells Lathlain Victoria Park Leda Kwinana Leederville Vincent Leeming Canning Cockburn Melville Lesmurdie Kalamunda Lexia Swan Lockridge Swan Lynwood Canning Maddington Gosnells Madeley Wanneroo Mahogany Creek Mundaring Maida Vale Kalamunda Malaga Swan Mandogalup Kwinana Manning South Perth Marangaroo Wanneroo Mardella Serpentine-Jarrahdale Mariginiup Wanneroo Marmion Joondalup Martin Gosnells Maylands Bayswater Medina Kwinana Melaleuca Swan Melville Melville Menora Stirling Merriwa Wanneroo Middle Swan Swan Midland Swan Midvale Mundaring Swan Millendon Swan Mindarie Wanneroo Mirrabooka Stirling Morley Bayswater Mosman Park Mosman Park Mount Claremont Cambridge Nedlands Mount Hawthorn Vincent Mount Helena Mundaring Mount Lawley Bayswater Stirling Vincent Mount Nasura Armadale Mount Pleasant Melville Mount Richon Armadale Mullaloo Joondalup Mundaring Mundaring Mundijong Serpentine-Jarrahdale Munster Cockburn Murdoch Melville Myaree Melville Naval Base Kwinana Nedlands Nedlands Subiaco Neerabup Wanneroo Nollamara Stirling Noranda Bayswater North Beach Stirling North Coogee Cockburn North Fremantle Fremantle North Lake Cockburn North Perth Vincent Northbridge Perth Nowergup Wanneroo Oakford Serpentine-Jarrahdale Ocean Reef Joondalup O'Connor Fremantle Oldbury Serpentine-Jarrahdale Orange Grove Gosnells Orelia Kwinana Osborne Park Stirling Padbury Joondalup Palmyra Melville Parkerville Mundaring Parkwood Canning Parmelia Kwinana Paulls Valley Kalamunda Pearsall Wanneroo Peppermint Grove Peppermint Grove Peron Rockingham Perth Perth Vincent Perth Airport Belmont Swan Piara Waters Armadale Pickering Brook Kalamunda Piesse Brook Kalamunda Pinjar Wanneroo Port Kennedy Rockingham Postans Kwinana Queens Park Canning Quinns Rocks Wanneroo Red Hill Swan Redcliffe Belmont Reservoir Kalamunda Ridgewood Wanneroo Riverton Canning Rivervale Belmont Rockingham Rockingham Roleystone Armadale Rottnest Island Cockburn Rossmoyne Canning Safety Bay Rockingham Salter Point South Perth Samson Fremantle Sawyers Valley Mundaring Scarborough Stirling Secret Harbour Rockingham Serpentine Serpentine-Jarrahdale Seville Grove Armadale Shelley Canning Shenton Park Nedlands Subiaco Shoalwater Rockingham Sinagra Wanneroo Singleton Rockingham Sorrento Joondalup South Fremantle Fremantle South Guildford Swan South Lake Cockburn South Perth South Perth Southern River Gosnells Spearwood Cockburn St James Canning Victoria Park Stirling Stirling Stoneville Mundaring Stratton Swan Subiaco Cambridge Subiaco Success Cockburn Swan View Mundaring Swan Swanbourne Claremont Nedlands Tamala Park Wanneroo Tapping Wanneroo The Lakes Mundaring The Spectacles Kwinana The Vines Swan Thornlie Gosnells Treeby Cockburn Trigg Stirling Tuart Hill Stirling Two Rocks Wanneroo Upper Swan Swan Victoria Park Victoria Park Viveash Swan Waikiki Rockingham Walliston Kalamunda Wandi Kwinana Wangara Wanneroo Wanneroo Wanneroo Warnbro Rockingham Warwick Joondalup Waterford South Perth Watermans Bay Stirling Wattle Grove Kalamunda Wattleup Cockburn Wellard Kwinana Welshpool Canning Victoria Park Wembley Downs Cambridge Stirling Wembley Cambridge Stirling West Leederville Cambridge West Perth Perth Vincent West Swan Swan Westminster Stirling Whitby Serpentine-Jarrahdale White Gum Valley Fremantle Whiteman Swan Willagee Melville Willetton Canning Wilson Canning Winthrop Melville Woodbridge Swan Woodlands Stirling Woodvale Joondalup Wanneroo Wooroloo Mundaring Wungong Armadale Yanchep Wanneroo Yangebup Cockburn Yokine Stirling Follow these easy Steps 1 -2- 3- 4 to get the right service an quote for your business. First step: Identify what you think is happening with your computer. Second Step: When you get through to our help people have some information to give them first, you will need the make the exact model an provide them with the current exact problem that you can see. There is no need to go through the whole process of having to spend 1 week trying to identify a method for someone to even look at the computer an then provide a detailed report which is really not required for such a simple diagnosis of a laptop or computer not turning on. Its not rocket science. After all we have been doing this work for 20 + years so our sound knowledge is better now that it ever was. The sound knowledge only comes from years of experience an guessing what the most common problems are with laptop an desktop computers. Already you have saved your self a whole week booking it into a computer repair shop an then having to wait days for a report. What a joke that is. Third step once a conversation has taken place between you an our technical experts they will give you a fixed price quote to repair your computer. This will either include parts or it want include parts. Obviously there are different levels of computers an each one is more expensive than the other one. But for a fixed price quote you can decide on the spot if that is in your budget to have your computer repaired. Its a very simple an easy decision making this whole process easy an fun. No one wants to spend a whole month just trying to find out what a very basic issue is. That's why nerdcore computers is the best choice for repairs. an the last final step is to decide if you want to go ahead with the repair service. Its that simple. Thats why we have so many positive feedback an people choose a simple solution rather than a difficult one. Computer repairs near perth Western Australia What Computer Repair services does Nerdcore computers service centre offer in Perth City  An Surrounding Suburbs, Computer Repairs Near Perth ​ Quality Onsite Laptop Repairs across Perth Western Australia Whatever the tech challenge, we've got you covered 7 days a week 24 hours any where in Australia. We know when you’re computer breaks, you need it fixed quickly. That’s why we have same day service at no extra cost. Our qualified computer technicians come to your home or office, meaning faster repairs and greater extended hours convenience. Our technicians provide friendly service and advice in plain English with no technical jargon & always fixed price quotes means you get to decide if its in your budget & no surprises. If you stuck at work an you cant call now leave us a enquiry online. For the process to go smoothly try to gather as much information regarding your computer models, serial numbers, makes an fill out the form to the right. If you can provide us with accurate information we will ensure ordering the right parts an organizing installation will be accurately completed. Some Reasons Why you should use Nerdcore Cyber Threat Protection. You can count on Nerdcore for Cyber Security Protection in your Business. Nerdcore is Australia’s leading provider of on-site and remote business IT support for small and medium-sized businesses. So, there probably isn’t a business tech problem we haven’t seen and solved before. Whether it’s hardware and software repairs, network security solutions, data backups and recovery, or helping you set up and connect a new device, we’re there for you every step of the way. Or complete our form today to set up an appointment with a computer repair technician. Our friendly, expert Nerds will get you back up and running as quickly as possible with our business computer help. Which means you can forget about tech and concentrate on managing and growing your business. They’ll even uncomplicate the complicated to give you the knowledge to deal with future issues. Why all Aussie businesses call us first Local, dedicated call centre and computer technicians all over Australia. If you need a nerd, we’ll come to you, or often, we can solve it over the phone for a quick fix. On call 7 days a week to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. Evenings, weekends and same day services are available if needed. We’ve helped over 20,000 across Australia. And have more happy customers than any other tech support business. Nerdcore can help to keep your sensitive business information secure, with a business IT health check that will identify any potential risks your business might face. Flexible business IT support options 1-hour service option If you don’t see yourself needing ongoing tech support, you can also call Nerdcore for help, one hour at a time. Our computer technicians can provide both on-site or remote services in perth and will help you get to the bottom of whatever tech issues are troubling your business. Same-day and weekend service is available for when you need help urgently – and if we don’t solve your tech issue, you don’t pay. ​ Find out more about the Nerdcore Guarantee here. Pre-paid business support packages tailored around your Business IT requirements Nerdcore can also help businesses who require frequent IT support, but don’t want to be locked into a yearly plan. Our pre-paid business support packages are the perfect option for businesses with upcoming IT projects or who often need an expert technician to troubleshoot tech issues when the problem occurs. Learn more about pre-paid business support packages here. What services do Nerdcore provide? The Nerds are here to help you, from removing viruses to setting up wireless networks and printers. In fact, we guarantee that we can find a solution to your problem, or you don’t pay – it’s simple. There are plenty of IT support services that Nerdcore can assist with, including: Hard drive upgrades, email recovery and network set ups - Hardware - Firewall - Security Applications and program installation (Updates - Patches - Software Licenses - Bug Fixes Hardware and network upgrades Remote IT support (Workstations & Network) Proxy Solutions Complete Network setup installation an NAS Solutions, troubleshooting and repairs Ongoing maintenance break fix support Desktop, laptop, Apple Mac & Business Server troubleshooting, services and support Data and disaster recovery services including off-site clean room/forensic data recovery facilities Data backup and recovery Software Support, Migrations upgrades & advice Internet Security, mail-server and virus/malware protection and removal File Server Maintenance & install as well as Troubleshooting - Exchange Server Setups Virus protection and removal CAD workstations setup Cloud Computing Migration - Microsoft Office 365 setup Complete Computer repairs Internet setup Drone Pilot Services & Repairs - Photography - Aerial Captures - Agriculture Spraying Crop Drones ​ ​​ ​​ Popular Services Desktop Computer Repairs Data Recovery Prices in Perth across Western Australia New Computers For Sale In Perth across Western Australia Virus & Malware Removal In Perth across Western Australia Small Business IT Solutions In Perth across Western Australia Gaming / CAD Workstations In Perth across Western Australia Remote Desktop Support In Perth across Western Australia File Server Maintenance In Perth across Western Australia Networking & Internet Security In Perth across Western Australia Data Backup & File Security In Perth across Western Australia IT Audit Equipment IN across Western Australia ☎ 1300 637 326 Laptop Repairs in perth across Western Australia Author Nerdcore Computers

The PC doctor computer repairs, the pc doc technicians.There are many reason why The PC doc computer repairs gets its name from providing the best computer repairs services an offering the best deals. Why do computer teachers never get sick? Because an apple a day keeps the doctor away. 5 Best Reasons why you should use The PC doc computer for laptop Repairs an for accurate diagnosis of your equipment. Guaranteed Fixed Price Repairs Experienced Australia wide Engineers Swift service Response Competitively Priced Parts Inclusive Annual Maintenance Agreement The PC doctor computer repairs, the pc doc technicians PC doc computer & laptop Service Centre Australia and customer support- Expertise You Can Trust Upon Nerdcore Computer Laptops & Desktops is amongst those brands that cannot be ignored when we look for electronic gadgets. Nerdcore laptops are built for high level of performance. Being empowered and equipped with all the required features, this brand is bit expensive in comparison to others available in the market. The PC doc computer & laptop repair centre also offers services for all the computer brands which you might have a high end gaming laptop or desktop produced by either Dell, Hp, lenovo, Asus, MSI, Gigabite. Our PC doc computer technicians and engineers have experience in fixing and repairing all the computer hardware an software products. We offer same day quick and reliable repair services to the consumers, commercial and corporate clients. The PC doc computer & Laptop Repairs in Australia is the answer to all your computer troubles and questions. Our PC doc computer technicians and engineers are experienced and skilled in repairing the device without letting you go anywhere. They are capable of resolving all the types of software and hardware issues from your Computer or Laptop, Computer, Notebook,Tablet etc. From failed hard drives to virus removal, we offer all the fixing services. We also provide No Fix, No Fee guarantee for all the services we are providing as we are confident enough of our repairing services. In case, if our technicians and engineers are unable to find and fix the error in your device, then we won’t be charging a single penny from you. Call the PC Doc Repair Service team is just a call away. (03 86897974) ​ The user can contact and reach our team through different modes. We are available at your service via phone support where the technicians and engineers will guide you step by step. The other way is via online remote assistance. If we are unable to fix issue with these methods then our technicians will visit your place and fix the malfunctioned device. We also provide pick and drop service and return the fixed laptop within 24 hours. What all computer & Laptop issues are resolved at our repair centre? The PC Doc Laptop Repair team believes in delivering reliable and dependable services to the Computer Manufactures. We will fix the device irrespective of your preference for onsite consultation at your place or conducting repair remotely. Following are the some of the issues that are fixed and resolved at our centre: Check out some of the other products nerdcore computers sell the new 13th gen core i9. Its the most powerful cpu the PC doc uses for building gaming computers. Click Here The PC Doc Hard drive upgrades The PC Doc Notebook running slowly The PC Doc Data recovery The PC Doc Line or blotches on LCD screen The PC Doc Software upgrades The PC Doc System will not boot from hard drive The PC Doc Bottom case damage The PC Doc Battery unable to charge The PC Doc Memory upgrades The PC Doc Fan is not working properly The PC Doc Virus removal The PC Doc Overheating issue The PC Doc Faulty keyboards The PC Doc Video graphics not in good condition The PC Doc Liquid damage repairs The PC Doc Plugged in not charging fault The PC Doc CD or DVD drive is not functioning The PC Doc Appearance of Blue screens The PC Doc Graphics card failure The PC Doc Broken hinge repair The PC Doc DC power jack is not working The PC Doc Antivirus related issues The PC Doc Motherboard needs repairing or replacement The PC Doc Laptop is not booting The PC Doc System unable to turn on The PC Doc Abruptly shutting down The PC Doc Cracked LCD screen The PC Doc Unclear LCD display Why The PC Doc Repair Australia Services over other service providers- Our Pc doc technicians and engineers will diagnose the issue and error. After detecting the issue, our team will inform you about the charges applicable for fixing the error. Afterwards, our Pc doc technicians will connect with you and tell you how long it is going to take in resolving the error. Once you accept the services, our experts will help you in solving the issue and fix the device. The PC Doc Computer Repair Centre is at your service in one single call computer & laptop Repair anywere in Australia and we are catering for all the repair requirements and providing all the needed services. And because of the experienced and skilled pc doc technicians, we are able to make our mark in your local suburbs. Our pc doctors can fix and repair all the dysfunctional devices. Drop a call at The PC Doc PC/Desktop Repair Centre Here is the best phone Number 1300637326 and our technicians will quickly come at your service. Author Nerdcore Computers

The PC-3000 SSD Software System operates in tandem with one of the three up-to-date hardware platforms – PC-3000 Portable III, PC-3000 Express, or PC-3000 UDMA – and it is intended for SSD repair and diagnosis and for data recovery from SSDs with SATA, PATA, mSATA, M.2, PCIe (NVMe/AHCI), PCIe x16, Apple Macbook interfaces and the capacity from 32 GB to 2 TB produced by different manufacturers, such as OCZ, Corsair, Crucial, RunCore, A-DATA, G.Skill, Micron, Plextor, Intel, Samsung, Seagate, SanDisk, Kingston, and others. The list of the latest supported SSD models is available on our blog. The PC-3000 SSD Delivery Package Delivery kit: the System’s software, the resource database – 1 Flash drive User manual – 1 book The PC-3000 SSD Delivery Packages for data recovery: verify and restore the SSD’s service information read and write the content of the SSD’s ROM load the microcode into the drive’s RAM emulate the translator operation in order to get access to user data view the password and reset the password that was earlier set on an SSD (bypass the ATA security) turn off background processes in an SSD to prevent data damage provide direct access to the content of memory chips (it makes unsoldering unnecessary) work with the Data Extractor for SSD repair (to recover normal operation): diagnose an SSD in factory (technological) mode verify and restore the SSD’s service information read and write the content of the SSD’s ROM load the microcode into the drive’s RAM view the logs of hidden defects (P-page, G-page) 0 perform low-level formatting to hide the discovered defects change the configuration and identification parameters reset the logs and S.M.A.R.T. parameters search for the damaged memory chips The PC-3000 SSD contains a set of specialized utilities for working with solid-state drives. This set includes the Universal Utility for diagnosing any SSD based on the ATA-8 specification (both currently existing models and those that will be manufactured in future) and the Active Utilities (Special Utilities) intended for working with a particular drive model in factory mode. It enables to deeply diagnose SSDs, to perform service operations, to re-write the drive’s microcode, to get direct access to memory chips, to carry out low-level formatting blocking the damaged cells and placing their addresses into the defect table, and to perform many other useful operations. The list of Active Utilities of the PC-3000 SSD System is expanded as soon as new SSD models are studied, and it is a continuous process. Those utilities that are currently available allow you to successfully recover data from all contemporary solid-state drives and to resolve the majority of wide-spread SSD problems. Special adapters and connectors for the PC-3000 Portable / Express / UDMA have been added in order to use technological interfaces to diagnose and repair drives. Breakthrough: M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Support With the PC-3000 Portable III Systems, you are now able to recover data not only from SATA-based SSDs but also from the NVMe ones! The special universal M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD/M.2 SATA SSD adapter included in the delivery kit helps you to diagnose the condition of a drive and extract evidence from healthy and damaged NVMe SSDs. More utilities for different vendors will appear with future updates! Delivery package options for the System: The PC-3000 SSD System can be operated via the PC-3000 Express, PC-3000 UDMA-E, or PC-3000 Portable controllers,so there are several delivery options: Quick Online Access to the PC-3000 SSD There is no need to wait until the PC-3000 SSD is shipped when you have an urgent SSD recovery case from your important customer. The PC-3000 SSD software can be available immediately at the day of the payment. Since the payment is done you will find the following in the Customer Update Box: the System’s software the resource database User manual Here are the supported ssd drives this package can do. PC-3000 SSD Systems. The List of Supported SSDs (regularly updated Hello friends! The ACE Lab developers constantly research drives, which results in a rapid expansion of the Support List for most of the modern SSDs. So with the PC-3000 Systems that support Solid State Drives, you will always be on the cutting edge of data recovery technology! The PC-3000 SSD/Ultimate Systems contain one of the following software add-ons: ► PC-3000 SSD (for the PC-3000 Express/UDMA System, software ver.7.0.x) ► PC-3000 SSD Extended (for the PC-3000 Portable III System, software ver.7.0.x) The PC-3000 SSD Extended is the new software add-on that supports the widest range of SSD types: SATA, mSATA, M.2 SATA, M.2 PCIe NVMe/АHCI, PCIe x16, Apple Macbook, LIF, ZIF, PATA. The PCIe drives are connected via the special adapters from ACE Lab: MacBookPro A1706/A1708 (2016/2017) PCIe SSD The current version of the PC-3000 SSD/PC-3000 SSD Extended software is 3.0.3. When recovering data from Solid State drives you should keep in mind the following: ► You can recover data only if there are no issues with the hardware of an SSD. The CPU, NAND memory chips, and PCB should be in good condition. This means that, when you power on the SSD, the ATA registers should display a status. The drives might be in the BSY state, or they might return the wrong capacity / ID, but they should give a response. ► The PC-3000 SSD/PC-3000 SSD Extended software add-on supports the combination of the Firmware (Manufacturer) and the controller (CPU). Some manufacturers use the same controllers with a different Firmware, with different technological commands so that such drives might be unsupported. E.g. fully supported Marvell 88SS9174 controllers are used in the Micron, Plextor, and Crucial drives, that all have similar FW. But some of the Lite-on SSDs based on the same 88SS9174 CPU are not supported because their firmware microprogram is completely rewritten by the Lite-on company. At the same time, modern families of Silicon Motion and Phison drives have the default SM22xx and PS31xx platforms which are very similar. So, if you get any drive based on the PS3111 controller, it would also be supported, even if such a model is not present in the Support List. ► Our developers are working hard on adding primarily the most popular drives to the Support List. However, the popularity of the devices may vary depending on the region. Some drives that might be common for your region may be very rare in others. Feel free to contact our Technical Support if you wish to take part in the process and have the means to provide some donor parts for the research. ► If you have an SSD with the File System issues, deleted info, or missed files that is not in the Support List, you can still use your PC-3000 System (with the Data Extractor software) to access data! The PC-3000 SSD/PC-3000 SSD Extended software add-ons are used only for the cases when SSDs have serious issues with internal firmware, translator tables, and other logical issues! M.2 interface difference – PCIe NVMe M.2 and SATA M.2 ► NVMe M.2 supported only by PC-3000 Portable III tool! ► SATA M.2 supported by PC-3000 UDMA-E, Express and Portable III. The list of supported drives grouped by Utilities: FamilyModelPCIe SSDs supported by the PC-3000 Portable III SystemsNVMe Silicon Motion Family: SM2260 SM2263XT SM2262ENG HPH8068 ADATA XPG SX7000VIDEO!HP EX900Lexar NM600Patriot HellfireRadeon R5Transcend MTE110SZion NFP03 (NeoForza)NVMe Phison Family: PS5007 PS5008 PS5013 Apacer A52280P2Gigabyte GSM2NE8Kingston A1000Kingston KC1000LiteON MU XPatriot Hellfire M2Patriot Scorch M2Smartbuy M8 Smartbuy E13T Apacer PP3480 Dexp L3 Novation 3D + many other PS5007, PS5008 and PS5013-based SSDsNVMe Marvell Family: 88SS1093 Plextor M9Pe WD Black G1 AM6671 / LENSE20xxxMSP34MEAT2TA AM6672 / LENSE30xxxMSP34MEAT3TA SATA SSDs supported by the PC-3000 Portable III Systems,PC-3000 Express Systems,PC-3000 UDMA SystemsSilicon Motion family: SM2246XT P3XV60 SM2236G SM2246EN SM2256K SM2258G SM2258XT SM2259XT CS4341AA(SM2258XT) H6008 G(SM2258XT) ARTICLE! ADATA SP550ADATA SU650 (SM2258XT)ADATA SU800 (SM2258G) VIDEO!AMD Radeon R3 (SM2256K)Apacer AS350 PantherAMD Radeon R5CFast Lexar Professional 3400 (SM2246XT) CFast AV Pro CFast Card (SM2246EN) Corsair Force LXCrucial BX100Crucial BX500 (SM2258XT)KingDian S200Kingston SA400S37 (CS4341AA = SM2258XT)KingSpec PA25 (SM2236G)Lite On LCH-256V2S-11ARTICLE!Patriot P200Plextor M6VPlextor S2CPNY CS1111RevuAhn 850XRevuAhn 900T PRORevuAhn 885Sandisk SSD Plus (SM2246XT)Silicon Power Slim S55 (SM2258XT)KingSpec MT-128 (SM2258XT)Silicon Power S55 (SM2259XT)Transcend TS256GSSD360S (P3XV60 =SM2246XT) Smartbuy Jolt WD Green (SM2258XT) KingSpec P3 (SM2259XT) KingSpec MT-128 (SM2258XT) + many other drives based on SM2246EN/XT (except for the Intel modifications which are not supported!) and SM2258XT Phison family: PS3105 PS3108 PS3109 PS3110 PS3111 TC58NC1000 TC58NC101068B CP33238B AS2258 Transcend 02-3010 ARTICLE! Corsair Force LSVIDEO!Corsair NovaCrucial V4GOODRAM CX100GOODRAM CX300GOODRAM S400UKingston A400Kingston HyperX SavageKingston SMSM15S3Kingston SSDNow KC400Kingston SSDNow UV300Lite-On MU3OCZ (Toshiba) Trion 100OCZ (Toshiba) Trion 150 Toshiba TR200 Patriot BlastPatriot BlazePatriot SparkQUMO Novation 3D (AS2258)Seagate Fast SSDSeagate One Touch SSDSilicon Power Slim S55 (PS3109)Silicon Power Slim S55 (PS3111)Silicon Power Slim S60Smartbuy FirestoneSmartbuy Ignition 2Smartbuy Ignition 4Smartbuy RevivalSmartbuy Revival 2Smartbuy S11TSmartbuy S9MToshiba Q300+ many other drives based on PS3105/PS3108/PS3109/PS3110/ PS3111/Toshiba TC58NC1000/Kingston CP33238B CPU! Marvell family: 88SS9174 88SS9187 88SS9189 88SS9190 88SS1074 ARTICLE! Crucial C300Crucial C400Crucial M4Crucial M500 Partial support!*Crucial M550 Partial support!*Crucial MX100 Partial support!*Crucial MX200 Partial support!*Intel 510 Partial support!*Micron C300Micron C400Plextor M3 Pro Partial support!*Plextor M3 Partial support!*Plextor M5 Pro Extreme Partial support!*Plextor M5 Pro Partial support!*Plextor M5S Partial support!*Sandisk Genesis Partial support!*Sandisk SSD Plus (88SS1074 MOD) ARTICLE!Full support!**Sandisk Ultra IIARTICLE!Full support!**Sandisk Ultra Plus Partial support!*Sandisk Vulcan Partial support!*Sandisk X110 (M.2 2260) Partial support!*Sandisk X300 Partial support!*WD BlueARTICLE!Full support!***Except for the BSY state drives **For Marvell 88SS1074 the Terminal 3 adapter is required! Samsung family: S3C29MAX01 S3C29RBB01 S4LJ204X01 S4LN021X01 S4LN045X01 S4LN054X02 ARTICLE! Samsung 470 S3C29MAX01-Y340 CPU based (including Apple models)Samsung 830 S4LJ204X01-Y040 CPU based (including Apple models)Samsung 840 S4LN021X01-8030 CPU basedSamsung 840 EvoARTICLE! S4LN045X01-8030 CPU based (including mSATA)Samsung 840 Pro S4LN021X01-8030 CPU basedSamsung 850 Pro S4LN045X01-8030 CPU basedSamsung CM871 S4LN054X02-Y030 CPU basedSamsung MLC S3C29RBB01-YK40 CPU basedSamsung PM810 S3C29MAX01-Y340 CPU based (mSATA version of 470)Samsung PM830 S4LJ204X01-Y040 CPU basedSamsung PM840 S4LN021X01-8030 CPU basedSamsung PM841 S4LN021X01-8030 CPU basedSamsung PM851ARTICLE! S4LN045X01-8030 CPU based (including mSATA) Indilinx Barefoot family: IDX110M00 IDX110M01 IDX110M02 ARTICLE! Corsair Extreme seriesCrucial M225OCZ Solid 2 seriesOCZ Vertex 1+ all other drives based on IDX1xXX CPU!OCZ Barefoot 3 family: IDX500Mxx ARTICLE! AMD Radeon R7OCZ ARC 100OCZ Vector VIDEO!OCZ Vector 150OCZ Vector 180OCZ Vector 480OCZ Vertex 450OCZ Vertex 460OCZ Vertex 460AIntel family: PC29AS21AA0 ARTICLE! Intel 320Intel 710Intel X18Intel X25 List of Apple devices you also can find right here. P.S. We get a lot of questions about the SandForce SSDs. These drives have a very complex internal structure with full hardware encryption of all logical structures. This means that such drives completely encrypt all data in Firmware and in the NAND memory chips. If you try to unsolder the NAND Flash chips from a SandForce-based SSD, you will find that all information is completely encrypted with the AES-256 key. There is no way of getting data from such SSDs at the moment, but we continue our research. Here you may find the model list of the SandForce SF CPU-based SSDs.

Are you looking for cheap computer repairs? Most places charge by the hour – We charge by the job! Nercdcore computers knows that your computer is a HUGE part of your life.  We know that being without your computer is a huge inconvenience!   That’s why we strive to repair your computer correctly and returned to you as soon as possible! Most Repairs are done within 3 days. We repair all makes and models of desktop and laptop computers.  This includes Apple/Mac/iMac We have over 20 years of experience repairing and upgrading desktop and laptop computers. computer repairs melbourne average cost $400.00 Common Hardware Issues: $350.00 Broken or Dim Laptop Screen $ 600.00 Broken or non-working keyboard (this includes missing keys) Broken motherboad or AC adaptor port on the motherboard Battery won’t charge on the computer anymore USB ports do not work on your computer Laptop will not connect to the network or internet using network cable or wireless network Cosmetic issues including broken plastics and broken touchpad buttons Computer will not turn on average cost $ 450 Computer will not boot to Operating System Average cost $400 Hardware error messages and blue screens Computer overheating and fan problems Hardware replacement for ANY parts (extra fees will incur for new parts) Common Software Issues: Slow or sluggish inside Operating System Malware removal including Viruses, Spyware, and Rootkits Operating System Error Messages including Blue Screens Programs are not working properly Computer will not connect to the internet or network Drivers are not loading correctly Computer isn’t updating like it should Operating System Reinstall Nerdcore computers service centre is Australia's quickest turn-around computer repair shop period.  Please check out our reviews on Google, Yelp, KSL and Facebook.  Its not easy to maintain a 1000s of 5-Star review in this business! Home It support | business it support | File data recovery | Computer repairs company Australia |Computer support | Hp service centre | dell service centre | Lenovo service centre

Computer repairs Gold Coast | Queensland History of Nerdcore Computers in brisbane For over 25 years, Nerdcore has been The trusted source for IT support across Gold Coast region. ​ Computer repairs Gold Coast | Queensland Early History: IT support Gold Coast Queensland for Architects and Engineers Nerdcore was founded in 2001. In the early years, most of our clients were architectural and engineering firms in Gold Coast Queensland. In those days, it wasn’t easy to buy a CAD workstation. You couldn’t just go online, and custom configure a PC with a high-end graphics card and enough RAM to run leading edge CAD software. Nerdcore built a thriving business around providing specialized computer hardware sales, network configuration, and support. Our “Microstation” CAD workstations set the standard for performance and reliability. ​ Growing Expertise, Expanding Influence As time went on, Nerdcore assembled an unrivaled pool of talent. Word spread about the technical insight and exemplary service provided by Nerdcore staff members. Before long we became the leading IT support Gold Coast Brisbane provider in the South for IT businesses, retail, manufacturing, legal, financial services, health care, non-profit orgs, educational institutions and much more. As our consulting business grew, we eventually phased out of selling hardware and software. ​ We Transformed Our Approach to Better Serve YOU Typically, IT support providers subscribe to one of two philosophies: 1) managed services or 2) break fix. Nerdcore Computers Managed services providers offer pre-packaged IT support for businesses in Gold Coast Queenslanders Our customer-focused approach to delivering IT support Gold Coast has proven to be wildly successful. It has resulted in tens of thousands of happy computer users at hundreds of businesses, and a decade (and going) of consistent double-digit year over year growth for Nerdcore Computers in Queensland Gold Coast ​ Regional Powerhouse with a Global Reach, at Your Service Today, Nerdcore is a regional powerhouse right across Gold Coast Queensland! Our team is smart, fast, and vast. Our clients’ operations span the globe. We leverage our comparatively large size to deliver response times, service levels, and a depth of expertise that other firms can’t match. In every task, our goal is to ensure that Nerdcore clients feel happy, productive, and supported in their use of technology.

Onsite Computer Repairs Richmond 3121 What Computer Repair services does Nerdcore computers service centre offer in Richmond 3121? We offer a complete Onsite pc Repair service across Richmond an Hawthorn, Cremorne, Burnley. ​ More Information Do you require IT business solutions for critical emergency computer repairs failures in Richmond 3121 we can offer you or your business a better rate than any it provider with our Fixed Flat Rate for repair on onsite laptop repairs Richmond an that is 7 days 24 hours any platform. Our certified techs have over 20 years of experience. When our company builds File servers to run a business or company we take into consideration 3 major factors which delivers the results our customers pay for. We are Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) We are the people who have done the courses and read the manuals. ​ Modem, Router Connectivity Setup ​ High Speed Internet Nbn/Broadband and VPN Setup We know service providers well we have worked with all the top Internet providers in our area, and will recommend the best Internet Service Provider solution for you, sized according to the needs, of your business and not what some sales guy tells you that you have to have. ​ Business Computer Network Services ​ Network design and construction from any one of our techs who has over 10 years experience in design install an service will be a breeze for them. The time to plan your computer network installation is before you start construction. Or, at least, before we lay the foundation. Most people are beyond that point with an existing network infrastructure, or one needing to be extended. We will look at your situation and recommend the best option for installing or designing your network backbone. ​ New Computer Hardware Setups ​ Server Configuration and On-site PC Repair Richmond ​ We recommend one, and only one computer hardware manufacturer. Dell Computer Corporation provides the most reliable, easy to maintain computers and servers on the market today. Their warranty protection and customer service are second to none. Nerdcore has been fixing computer hardware almost since the time personal computers were introduced into the small business environment. We can fix most any computer or server hardware issue, and if our onsite computer nerds can't, we sure to have someone who will know. We will first begin by evaluating your current infrastructure and collect information for our network gurus to enhance and keep a steady and smooth network for you. Trouble Shooting ​ When it comes to troubleshooting we can also provide you with the right technical expert to troubleshoot the problem on the spot. With a complete team of experts rest assured we can either recommend you a new solution to achieve your technical requirement or resolve your current issue with our experience were sure to resolve the issue fast professionally with no down time at all and of course provide a full report describing what has caused the issue. Most issues are caused because of low maintenance or neglect to administer the current network protocols. Some areas were experienced at are - ​ Complete New Office Network Setup Home Or Business POS Systems Onsite Laptop repairs Onsite Macbook Pro repairs Onsite  Apple mac repairs & service Onsite Imac Repairs Onsite Fast Pc Fix Onsite Printer Networking Configuration Onsite Specific Hard Ware Installation/Setup/Tutorial Onsite Virus Protection Setup/Licensing Onsite  Data Recovery/Protection & Storage Setup Onsite Setup Wireless Connections Onsite  New Modem Installation/ Adsl + Adsl2+ Vdsl + Nbn + Dial up Onsite Tcp/ip Conflict and access issues  Onsite  Vpn + Port Forwarding Onsite Voice over Ip setup and Troubleshooting Onsite Spamming Email Control and Ip Blocking of annoying daily emails Onsite  Computer repairs for specific server platforms ​ ​ You can focus on running your business. We can make it run smoothly. ​ Our Flat-Rate repair fee will cover any hardware or software issue for Computer Repairs Richmond Nerdcore Computers Service Centre in both Melbourne & Victoria.  We are located in 3b Willesden Road Hughesdale Victoria, 3166 Don’t hesitate to give us a call or text if you have any questions! 1300637326 Enjoy 99.9% less unexpected issues We keep a careful eye on your systems, picking up threats before they happen so you DON'T get interrupted. We get to the bottom of every problem We know band-aid solutions never work, that's why we're dedicated to finding & eliminating problems at the core. Strategic IT Planning and Development We make sure your technology stays relevant to your business helping to implement YOUR ideas and vision! Work with the same people every time We're a team of close knit experts who get to know your business, your people and your systems inside out. Unlimited IT Support for one fixed fee Get complete access to all your IT needs including remote support, onsite support, proactive fixes and so much more! Fast Emergency Response Guaranteed We know when you need IT Support, you need it fast - so we guarantee 30 minutes or less response times. Onsite computer repairs richmond victoria 3121

Outlook Calendar Sync - Google calendar sync with outlook Most people like to be and feel organized. One of the best ways to achieve this is through proper planning. This is where the best organization tools come in handy. The Outlook Calendar is a powerful tool that really helps you to manage your time effectively. With the ability to sync with other calendars, you can keep track of all your meetings and deadlines in one place. This blog post will discuss the basics of using the Outlook Calendar function and how to sync it with your other calendars. What Is the Outlook Calendar? The Outlook Calendar is a planning tool that is part of the Microsoft Office suite. It helps users keep track of their appointments, events, and tasks. You can use it as a standalone calendar or sync it with others. How You Can Use the Outlook Calendar There are many ways you can use the Outlook Calendar. For instance, you can use it to keep track of your appointments and events. But besides that, you can also sync it with other calendars, such as Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. The Outlook Calendar also allows you to share it with others, and they can also sync their calendars with you. This is especially useful if you have a team that you want to keep on the same page. Outlook Calendar Sync - Google calendar sync with outlook How to Set Up Your Outlook Calendar Setting up your outlook calendar is straightforward. The first thing you need to do is sync your calendar with Outlook. To do this, open the sync settings in Outlook and select the checkboxes next to the sync options you want to enable. Next, open the calendar in Outlook and click on the “Add Calendar” button. Select the “From Internet” option and enter the URL of the calendar you want to sync with. Make sure to select the correct sync option from the drop-down menu. Finally, click the “Add” button to complete the process. Your calendar should now be synced with Outlook, and you can start using it to manage your schedule. How Do You Sync an Outlook Calendar? If you want to sync your Outlook calendar with another application, such as Google Calendar, you will need to follow these steps: Open the Outlook Calendar. Click on the “Tools” tab, and then select “Options.” Click on the “Calendar Options” button. Select the “Sync Calendars” option. Click the “Add” button, and select the application you want to sync with. Click on the “OK” button. Select the sync options, and then click on the “Synchronize Now” button. This will sync your outlook calendar with the selected application. And if you want to do an Outlook Calendar Sync with multiple applications, you can follow the same steps for each one. How to Sync an Outlook Calendar with Mobile Devices You can also sync your Outlook Calendar with mobile devices such as iPhones and Android phones. To do this, you will need to follow these steps: Open the Outlook Calendar. Click on the “Tools” tab and select the “Account Settings” option. Click on the “Add” button and select the “Exchange ActiveSync” option. Enter the required information, such as the account name, email address, and password. Click on the “OK” button. Click on the “Save” button. These useful sync functions will allow you to easily access your calendar on the go using whichever mobile device you prefer and ensure you’re never double-booked! How to Keep Your Outlook Calendar Next to Your Email You can also sync your Outlook Calendar with your email for easy reference. To do this, open your Outlook Calendar and click on the “File” tab. Next, click the “Account Settings” button and select the “Account Settings” option from the drop-down menu. Finally, click the “Change Folder” button next to your email account. Select the folder you would like your Outlook Calendar to sync with. Select the “Sync Subfolders” option to sync all of your calendar events! Benefits of Using Outlook Calendar Using an Outlook calendar has many benefits, some of these include; Privacy You can use your Outlook Calendar for your work teams, but you could also use the personal planning feature. If you opt to do so, the Outlook Calendar has a privacy setting that will ensure that only you will have access to your personal events and appointments. Versatility Outlook Calendar is very versatile and can be used for many purposes. For example, you can use it to sync your work schedule with your private schedule, or you can use it to share events and appointments with others. Ease of Use Outlook Calendar is also very easy to use. Once you have synced your calendar with Outlook, you can easily add, edit, and delete events and appointments. You can also set reminders for upcoming events so that you don’t forget about them. Accessibility Another great benefit of using an Outlook Calendar is that it is accessible from anywhere. You can easily access your calendar at home or work from your computer, phone, or tablet. This means that you can always stay up-to-date with your schedule, even if you are away from your desk. Shortcomings of Outlook Calendar Like many planning tools, Outlook Calendar has a few shortcomings. For example, you can’t directly sync your Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar. You also can’t share your calendar with others unless you give them access to your entire account. Finally, if you want to use Outlook Calendar on your mobile device, you’ll need to download a separate app. Despite these drawbacks, Outlook Calendar is still a helpful tool for managing your schedule. Summary Outlook Calendar is a powerful tool to help you manage your time and stay organized. In this post, we’ve shown you how to use Outlook Calendar to its full potential. We’ve also provided some helpful tips on how to sync your calendar with other devices and programs.  Now, it’s up to you to put these tips into practice and start using Outlook Calendar to make your life easier.  When you do, the chances are that you will appreciate the features of this great application and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Author Nerdcore Computers

This forth coming christmas nedcore computers is giving a family the chance to experience a day on Melbourne port phillip. The day will be completely about sailing with our The nerdcore Sailing yacht. Our team will take you an your family out on the water an show you a great time sailing for a few hours. How to enter - email us your details at helpdesk@nerdcore.com.au an include the names of up to 5 family members. How many adults an how many children. Include if you have had any experience sailing. How many people can swim. Or if anyone in your family has a health condition. We will let you know which family has been chosen for this event. This is a family event that is being conducted by our sailing captain Nick Veloutsos. With many years of sailing he has the experience for you to feel safe an enjoy some time sailing around Melbourne beaches. The day we select to go out for a sail will be very calm weather an safe. The total sailing time will be half the day at 5 hours. The location is in Mount Martha so we will provide you with instructions on how to get to the boat. So we hope to see you. Last year we gave away a 12 th generation gaming desktop to a family - The total value of the system was 3 thousand dollars. Every year we like to surprise one lucky family. This year it could be you. Apply within. Author # Nerdcore Computers

Dear Customers, Come by office for a Greek Frappe before we leave for Greece. Its been a pleasure to help Thousands of Businesses, Families, Friends, an working users over the last 20 years. The time is near were our team is heading overseas to Athens Greece for a vacation, seminar with our Athens Pangkrati office again . Our company started in Athens in 2020 an i have to attend to the guys over there. But From the 18th May you might not find me at the office in Hughesdale. But rest assured our staff can help you at 3b Willesden Road Hughesdale. Our staff would more than happy to help with any issues. From File server Maintenance or onsite computer repairs for businesses. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause to your business. We thrilled to announce that our team has had an amazing start to 2023 year an we hope to see you all when i return from my Vacation. We will still have staff on the ground at the office in Melbourne. I look forward to seeing you at your place or ours. You can still ask for help or request an engineer to help you at your business. Were passionate about technology an we look forward to doing more business with your staff when we return. Any business computer repairs please fill in the quick quotes section on our webpage or shoot us an email at helpdesk@nerdcore.com.au. Please leave a message if you require urgent assistance at you home or business a technician will contact you within 15 minutes . Thank you for your support - Nick Veloutsos Owner Check out some of our other Guest post which you can find some useful information about any computer breakdowns that require a professional engineer to care for your computers an bring them back to life. Computer Repairs Melbourne Computer Repairs Sydney Computer Repairs Hobart Computer Repairs Brisbane Computer repairs Perth Computer Repairs Darwin Author Nerdcore Computers Service Centre.

What's New in Autodesk - AutoCAD 2024 Autodesk AutoCAD 2024 is out with a focus on Accelerating Creativity, Tailored Functionality and a Connected Design Experience. Accelerating Creativity Focus on quickly creating and collaborating on innovative solutions using assistive machine learning technology to improve design workflows. The performance enhancements in AutoCAD 2024 really stand out—both with how fast it opens and the speed of switching between models and view ports. It’s much faster than any previous versions. Activity Insights Bridge information gaps in collaborative AutoCAD workflows and stay connected to essential data throughout project lifecycles My Insights Macro Advisor & Dashboard Provides valuable information to you at the right time and in the right context to assist with steps that you can automate. Count & Blocks Palette Counting blocks is now up to 70% faster and reusing design content with blocks is up to 47% faster. Smart Blocks: Placement and Replacement Automatically place blocks in your drawing based on where you’ve inserted the same ones thus far, reducing the number of clicks and saving you valuable time in the process. Quickly find the blocks you need with machine learning powered functionality, delivering powerful time-saving automations. Smart Blocks: Placement and Replacement Automatically place blocks in your drawing based on where you’ve inserted the same ones thus far, reducing the number of clicks and saving you valuable time in the process. Quickly find the blocks you need with machine learning powered functionality, delivering powerful time-saving automations. Tailored Functionality Organisations can customise AutoCAD for their industries, empowering teams to build and run discipline-specific routines and workflows. ACAD for Mac – M series chip Added support for Apple Silicon increased AutoCAD for Mac’s overall performance by 2x* Connected Design Experience Autodesk creates an ecosystem of industry-leading design software and technology partners. Web AutoLISP APIs AutoLISP, a staple feature of AutoCAD desktop, now enables customisations to automate a sequence of commands in AutoCAD on the web Markup Import & Markup Assist Faster cross-platform markup workflows through expanded machine learning capabilities & essential experience improvements Markup Import & Markup Assist Faster cross-platform markup workflows through expanded machine learning capabilities & essential experience improvements Migrating Custom Settings The CUI, tool palettes, and templates have undergone enhancements to facilitate the transfer of customised files and locations. To utilise personalized configurations: Access the Autodesk AutoCAD folder drop-down list from the Windows Start menu. Choose Migrate From a Previous Release. In the resulting Migrate Custom Settings dialog box, specify the release you wish to migrate from. Select the customized settings you want to transfer to the latest release. Trace Updates Enhancements to the Trace environment continue, with the introduction of the COPY FROM TRACE command and additional settings controls on the toolbar. Tab Improvements The Start, File and Layout Tabs have been improved. Autodesk Docs Improvements The following improvements have been made to Autodesk Docs: Improved support and performance when viewing large files on Autodesk Docs. Improved Desktop Connector resulting in improved performance displaying a drawing in the Start tab and opening a drawing from Autodesk Docs. Improved navigation on the Start tab for drawings stored on Autodesk Docs Autodesk Docs Improvements The following improvements have been made to Autodesk Docs: Improved support and performance when viewing large files on Autodesk Docs. Improved Desktop Connector resulting in improved performance displaying a drawing in the Start tab and opening a drawing from Autodesk Docs. Improved navigation on the Start tab for drawings stored on Autodesk Docs What's New in Specialised Toolsets AutoCAD Architecture and MEP 2024 AEC3DPRINT With AEC3DPRINT command, you can natively export the AEC objects to an STL file format that’s compatible with 3D printing without converting to 3D solids. AutoCAD Mechanical 2024 ANSI/ASME Standard Revision Update The section line symbol within AutoCAD Mechanical is updated to support the AWS Y14.3 – 2012 standard revision. To support AWS Y14.3 – 2012, all aspects of the section line symbol are revised to correspond with AWS Y14.3 – 2012. AutoCAD Mechanical continues to support the AWS Y14.3 – 2003 standard revision to allow documents created in previous releases to be opened, edited, and saved without updating the section line symbol standard. By supporting AWS Y14.3 – 2012 and AWS Y14.3 – 2003, you can annotate new and as-built designs using the required standard revision. Enhanced Design Center Content New MVBlocks and block references are available in Design Center. More than 200 new MVBlocks and block references are added to the AutoCAD Architecture (US Imperial) and AutoCAD Architecture (US Metric) content packs for Design Center. The added content is available in metric profile for non-English languages. The content includes external lighting, bathroom accessories, furniture, site, kitchen fittings, and more. ISO Standard Revision Update for Taper and Slope Symbols The taper and slope symbol within AutoCAD Mechanical is updated to support the ISO 3040:2016(E) standard revision. To support the ISO 3040:2016(E), all aspects of the taper and slope symbol is revised to correspond with ISO 3040:2016(E). AutoCAD Mechanical continues to support the ISO 3040:2009(E) standard revision to allow documents created in previous releases to be opened, edited, and saved without updating the taper and slot symbol standard. By supporting ISO 3040:2016(E) and ISO 3040:2009(E), you can annotate new and as-built designs using the required standard revision. Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information AutoCAD Plant 3D 2024 Ortho Bill of Materials (BOM) The Ortho Table Setup dialog box includes simplified options and more table capabilities for orthographic drawings. You can now add the Bill of Materials (BOM) for piping, equipment, steel, as well as nozzle and spool lists into ortho drawings Pipe Spec Viewer Enhancements View all parts available for a specific size in the selected spec. Use the search box to look for specific components in the Pipe Spec Viewer. Any changes to the size and spec lists are both updated in Pipe Spec Viewer and the Part Insertion panel on the ribbon. Spec and Catalog Editor Enhancements The Edit Parts and Edit Properties functions are enhanced in both Spec and Catalog Editors. Edit parts within a selected parts family for inclusion in a spec sheet or catalog Ortho Single-Line Piping Enhancements In this release, ortho single-line piping offers more enhancements including a new interface for some piping criteria providing better control when you display piping in a single-line representation in orthographic drawings. AutoCAD Map 3D 2024 Coordinate System Update AutoCAD Map 3D 2024 supports the new coordinate systems in the following categories: SnakeGrid EWR2 NAD83(CSRS) / Alberta 3TM AutoCAD Electrical 3D 2024 Pipe Spec Viewer Enhancements Create a schematic symbol table from schematic reports. The schematic report lists the symbols used in the project along with its description in a table. You can also surf through a particular symbol that is used in various locations of the project. Wire Type Synchronisation Wire type can now be synchronized for all wires in the network with the same signal code across the drawings. In previous releases, when you update the type of the wire connected to the source arrows, the destination wire type was not updated. In AutoCAD Electrical 2024 toolset, when the wire type is updated at the source arrow, all wires in the network are updated to the same wire type of the source. New wire layers are created along with its properties if the destination drawing doesn’t contain the new wire type. Author# Nerdcore Computers

Cyber Attacks You Should protect your business in 2024 In todays world life has become far more easier because of various digital devices and the internet to support these devices. There is two sides to everything good, and that also applies to the digital world today. The internet services has brought in a amazing positive change in every ones lives today, but, there is also a massive challenge in protecting an securing your very important data. This challenge gives rise to cyber attacks. In this special article, we will discuss all the different types of cyber security attacks and how they can be prevented in any situation. What is a Cyber Attack? Before i discuss the different types of cyber attacks, we will first walk you through a cyber attacks. When there is an unauthorized systems/network access by a third party, we call this term it as a cyber attack attempt. The person who carries out a cyberattack is termed as a hacker/attacker/cyber stalker. Cyber Attacks You Should protect your business in 2024 Cyber-attacks have massive negative effects when they attack a business. When an attack has been started or carried out, it can cause to data breaches, resulting in data loss or data manipulation. Massive organizations start to develop financial losses, customer trust starts to go down rapidly, and there is a massive reputational damage. To put a pole on cyber attacks, we implement cyber security teams like nerdcore computers. Nerdcore Computers Cyber security is a method of safeguarding networks, computer systems, and their components from unauthorized digital access. Thousands of businesses are developing our safe system guard software to monitor any future attacks before they happen. When COVID-19 situation was present this also had an adverse impact on cybersecurity. According to Interpol and WHO, there has been a notable increase in the number of cyberattacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that you know what a cyber attack is, let look at the different types of cyberattacks. Types of Cyber Attacks There are thousands of cyber attacks that happen daily. If we knew how an when these very sophisticated types of cyberattacks happened it becomes easier for nerdcore computers to protect its customers who rely on networks and systems to function. Here, we will closely examine the top ten cyber-attacks that can affect an individual, or a large business, depending on the scale. Increase your cybersecurity acumen with our in depth Cyber security Boot camp, where you'll delve into the broad landscape of cyber attacks. From phishing to malware, ransomware to DDoS attacks, our comprehensive program equips you with the skills to anticipate, prevent, and mitigate a wide range of threats. Let’s start with the different types of cyberattacks on our list: 1. Malware Attack This is one of the most common types of cyberattacks. “Malware” refers to malicious software viruses including worms, spyware, ransomware, adware, and trojans. The trojan virus disguises itself as legitimate software. Ransomware blocks access to the network's key components, whereas Spyware is software that steals all your confidential data without your knowledge. Adware is software that displays advertising content such as banners on a user's screen. Malware breaches a network through a vulnerability. When the user clicks a dangerous link, it downloads an email attachment or when an infected pen drive is used. Let’s now look at how we can prevent a malware attack: Use antivirus software. It can protect your computer against malware. Avast Antivirus, Norton Antivirus, and McAfee Antivirus are a few of the popular antivirus software. Use firewalls. Firewalls filter the traffic that may enter your device. Windows and Mac OS X have their default built-in firewalls, named Windows Firewall and Mac Firewall. Stay alert and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Update your OS and browsers, regularly. 2. Phishing Attack Phishing attacks are one of the most prominent widespread types of cyberattacks. It is a type of social engineering attack wherein an attacker impersonates to be a trusted contact and sends the victim fake mails. Unaware of this, the victim opens the mail and clicks on the malicious link or opens the mail's attachment. By doing so, attackers gain access to confidential information and account credentials. They can also install malware through a phishing attack. Phishing attacks can be prevented by following the below-mentioned steps: Scrutinize the emails you receive. Most phishing emails have significant errors like spelling mistakes and format changes from that of legitimate sources. Make use of an anti-phishing toolbar. Update your passwords regularly. 3. Password Attack It is a form of attack wherein a hacker cracks your password with various programs and password cracking tools like Air crack, Cain, Abel, John the Ripper, Hashcat, etc. There are different types of password attacks like brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and keylogger attacks. Listed below are a few ways to prevent password attacks: Use strong alphanumeric passwords with special characters. Abstain from using the same password for multiple websites or accounts. Update your passwords; this will limit your exposure to a password attack. Do not have any password hints in the open. 4. Man-in-the-Middle Attack A Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM) is also known as an eavesdropping attack. In this attack, an attacker comes in between a two-party communication, i.e., the attacker hijacks the session between a client and host. By doing so, hackers steal and manipulate data. Get Certified to Answer All Questions! CISSP Certification Training Course As seen below, the client-server communication has been cut off, and instead, the communication line goes through the hacker. MITM attacks can be prevented by following the below-mentioned steps: Be mindful of the security of the website you are using. Use encryption on your devices. Refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks. 5. SQL Injection Attack A Structured Query Language (SQL) injection attack occurs on a database-driven website when the hacker manipulates a standard SQL query. It is carried by injecting a malicious code into a vulnerable website search box, thereby making the server reveal crucial information. This results in the attacker being able to view, edit, and delete tables in the databases. Attackers can also get administrative rights through this. To prevent a SQL injection attack: Use an Intrusion detection system, as they design it to detect unauthorized access to a network. Carry out a validation of the user-supplied data. With a validation process, it keeps the user input in check. 6. Denial-of-Service Attack A Denial-of-Service Attack is a significant threat to companies. Here, attackers target systems, servers, or networks and flood them with traffic to exhaust their resources and bandwidth. When this happens, catering to the incoming requests becomes overwhelming for the servers, resulting in the website it hosts either shut down or slow down. This leaves the legitimate service requests unattended. It is also known as a DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack when attackers use multiple compromised systems to launch this attack. Let’s now look at how to prevent a DDoS attack: Run a traffic analysis to identify malicious traffic. Understand the warning signs like network slowdown, intermittent website shutdowns, etc. At such times, the organization must take the necessary steps without delay. Formulate an incident response plan, have a checklist and make sure your team and data center can handle a DDoS attack. Outsource DDoS prevention to cloud-based service providers. 7. Insider Threat As the name suggests, an insider threat does not involve a third party but an insider. In such a case; it could be an individual from within the organization who knows everything about the organization. Insider threats have the potential to cause tremendous damages. Insider threats are rampant in small businesses, as the staff there hold access to multiple accounts with data. Reasons for this form of an attack are many, it can be greed, malice, or even carelessness. Insider threats are hard to predict and hence tricky. To prevent the insider threat attack: Organizations should have a good culture of security awareness. Companies must limit the IT resources staff can have access to depending on their job roles. Organizations must train employees to spot insider threats. This will help employees understand when a hacker has manipulated or is attempting to misuse the organization's data. 8. Cryptojacking The term Cryptojacking is closely related to cryptocurrency. Cryptojacking takes place when attackers access someone else’s computer for mining cryptocurrency. The access is gained by infecting a website or manipulating the victim to click on a malicious link. They also use online ads with JavaScript code for this. Victims are unaware of this as the Crypto mining code works in the background; a delay in the execution is the only sign they might witness. Cryptojacking can be prevented by following the below-mentioned steps: Update your software and all the security apps as cryptojacking can infect the most unprotected systems. Have cryptojacking awareness training for the employees; this will help them detect crypotjacking threats. Install an ad blocker as ads are a primary source of cryptojacking scripts. Also have extensions like MinerBlock, which is used to identify and block crypto mining scripts. 9. Zero-Day Exploit A Zero-Day Exploit happens after the announcement of a network vulnerability; there is no solution for the vulnerability in most cases. Hence the vendor notifies the vulnerability so that the users are aware; however, this news also reaches the attackers. Depending on the vulnerability, the vendor or the developer could take any amount of time to fix the issue. Meanwhile, the attackers target the disclosed vulnerability. They make sure to exploit the vulnerability even before a patch or solution is implemented for it. Zero-day exploits can be prevented by: Organizations should have well-communicated patch management processes. Use management solutions to automate the procedures. Thus it avoids delays in deployment. Have an incident response plan to help you deal with a cyberattack. Keep a strategy focusing on zero-day attacks. By doing so, the damage can be reduced or completely avoided. 10. Watering Hole Attack The victim here is a particular group of an organization, region, etc. In such an attack, the attacker targets websites which are frequently used by the targeted group. Websites are identified either by closely monitoring the group or by guessing. After this, the attackers infect these websites with malware, which infects the victims' systems. The malware in such an attack targets the user's personal information. Here, it is also possible for the hacker to take remote access to the infected computer. Let's now see how we can prevent the watering hole attack: Update your software and reduce the risk of an attacker exploiting vulnerabilities. Make sure to check for security patches regularly. Use your network security tools to spot watering hole attacks. Intrusion prevention systems(IPS) work well when it comes to detecting such suspicious activities. To prevent a watering hole attack, it is advised to conceal your online activities. For this, use a VPN and also make use of your browser’s private browsing feature. A VPN delivers a secure connection to another network over the Internet. It acts as a shield for your browsing activity. NordVPN is a good example of a VPN. 11. Spoofing An attacker impersonates someone or something else to access sensitive information and do malicious activities. For example, they can spoof an email address or a network address. 12. Identity-Based Attacks Perform to steal or manipulate others' personal information, like login someone's PINs to steal unauthorized access to their systems. 13. Code Injection Attacks Performed by inserting malicious code into a software application to manipulate data. For example, the attacker puts malicious code into a SQL database to steal data. 14. Supply Chain Attacks Exploit software or hardware supply chain vulnerabilities to collect sensitive information. 15. DNS Tunneling Attacker uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to bypass security measures and communicate with a remote server. 16. DNS Spoofing Cyberattack in which an attacker manipulates the DNS records from a website to control its traffic. 17. IoT-Based Attacks Exploit vulnerabilities in the Internet of Things (IoT), like smart thermostats and security cameras, to steal data. 18. Ransomware Encrypt the victim's data and demands payment in exchange. 19. Distributed Denial of Service (DDos) Attacks Flood a website with traffic to make it unavailable to legitimate users and to exploit vulnerabilities in the specific network. 20. Spamming Send unauthentic emails to spread phishing scams. 21. Corporate Account Takeover (CATO) Hackers use stolen login credentials to access others' bank accounts. 22. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cash Out Hackers get close to a bank's computer systems to withdraw large amounts of cash from ATMs. 23. Whale-Phishing Attacks Target high-profile individuals like executives or celebrities using sophisticated social engineering techniques to get sensitive information. 24. Spear-Phishing Attacks: Target specific individuals or groups under an organization. Attackers use social engineering techniques to get sensitive information. 25. URL Interpretation A web browser interprets a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and requests the corresponding web page to exploit vulnerabilities in the URL interpretation. 26. Session Hijacking The hacker gets access to a user's session ID to authenticate the user's session with a web application and take control of the user's session. 27. Brute Force Attack An attacker gets unauthorized access to a system by trying various passwords until the correct one is found. It can be highly effective against weak passwords. 28. Web Attacks Targets websites and can insert SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and file inclusion. 29. Trojan Horses Malware that appears to be a legitimate program but which contains malicious code. Once installed, it can perform malicious actions like stealing data and controlling the system. Choose the Best Training Platform! CISSP Certification Training Course 30. Drive-by Attacks The user's system is flooded with malware by visiting its compromised website to exploit vulnerabilities in other software to insert the malware without the user's knowledge. 31. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks An attacker inserts unauthorized code into a legitimate website to access the user's information to steal sensitive information like the user's passwords and credit card details. 32. Eavesdropping Attacks An attacker intercepts communication between two parties to access sensitive information. 33. Birthday Attack A cryptographic attack exploits the birthday paradox to access a collision in a hash function. The attacker successfully generates two inputs to get the same output hash value. This can be used to compromise to bypass access controls. 34. Volume-Based Attacks The attacker floods a system with heavy data to make it inaccessible to legitimate users. For instance, DDoS attacks in which various compromised computers flood a specific website with traffic to crash it. 35. Protocol Attacks: Exploits vulnerabilities in network protocols to gain unauthorized access to a system or disrupt its regular operation. Examples include the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) SYN Flood attack and the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Flood attack. 36. Application Layer Attacks Targets the application layer of a system, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities in applications or web servers. 37. Dictionary Attacks An attacker attempts to guess a user's password by trying a list of common words. This attack becomes successful because many users use weak or easy passwords. 38. Virus Malicious software can replicate itself and spread to other computers. Viruses can cause significant damage to systems, corrupt files, steal information, and more. 39. Worm Replicates itself and spreads to other computers, but unlike viruses, worms don't require human interaction. 40. Backdoors This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass standard authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to a system or network. 41. Bots These software programs automate network or internet tasks. They can be used for malicious purposes, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. 42. Business Email Compromise (BEC) Targets businesses and organizations by using email. The attackers impersonate a trusted source to trick the victim into transferring funds or sensitive information to the attacker. 43. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks Targets web applications by injecting malicious code into a vulnerable website to steal sensitive information or to perform unauthorized attacks. 44. AI-Powered Attacks Use artificial intelligence and machine learning to bypass traditional security measures. 45. Rootkits Provide attackers privileged access to a victim's computer system. Rootkits can be used to hide other types of malware, such as spyware or keyloggers, and can be challenging to detect and remove. 46. Spyware Is malware designed to collect sensitive information from a victim's computer system. This can include passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data. 47. Social Engineering is a technique cyber criminals use to manipulate users to make them divulge sensitive information or perform actions that are not in their best interest. 48. Keylogger Is a malware designed to capture keystrokes a victim enters on their computer system. This can include passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data. 49. Botnets Are networks of compromised computers controlled by a single attacker. Botnets can launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, steal sensitive information, or perform other malicious activities. 50. Emotet Is malware designed to steal sensitive information and spread it to other computers on a network. Emotet is often spread through phishing emails and can be very difficult to detect and remove. 51. Adware Is malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a victim's computer system. Adware can be annoying and disruptive, but it's generally less harmful than other types of malware. 52. Fileless Malware Doesn’t rely on files to infect a victim's computer system. Instead, fileless malware executes malicious code using existing system resources, such as memory or registry keys. 53. Angler Phishing Attacks Target individuals or organizations using highly targeted and personalized emails. Angler phishing attacks can be difficult to detect and are often successful in stealing sensitive information. 54. Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Is a cyberattack characterized by long-term, persistent access to a victim's computer system. APT attacks are highly sophisticated and difficult to detect and remove. How to Prevent Cyber Attacks? Although we had a look at several ways to prevent the different types of cyberattacks we discussed, let's summarize and look at a few personal tips which you can adopt to avoid a cyberattack on the whole. Change your passwords regularly and use strong alphanumeric passwords which are difficult to crack. Refrain from using too complicated passwords that you would tend to forget. Do not use the same password twice. Update both your operating system and applications regularly. This is a primary prevention method for any cyber attack. This will remove vulnerabilities that hackers tend to exploit. Use trusted and legitimate Anti-virus protection software. Use a firewall and other network security tools such as Intrusion prevention systems, Access control, Application security, etc. Avoid opening emails from unknown senders. Scrutinize the emails you receive for loopholes and significant errors. Make use of a VPN. This makes sure that it encrypts the traffic between the VPN server and your device. Regularly back up your data. According to many security professionals, it is ideal to have three copies of your data on two different media types and another copy in an off-site location (cloud storage). Hence, even in the course of a cyber attack, you can erase your system’s data and restore it with a recently performed backup. Employees should be aware of cybersecurity principles. They must know the various types of cyberattacks and ways to tackle them. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication. With two-factor authentication, it requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. When you are asked for over two additional authentication methods apart from your username and password, we term it as multi-factor authentication. This proves to be a vital step to secure your account. Secure your Wi-Fi networks and avoid using public Wi-Fi without using a VPN. Safeguard your mobile, as mobiles are also a cyberattack target. Install apps from only legitimate and trusted sources, make sure to keep your device updated. These are the tips you must implement to protect your systems and networks from a cyber attack. Evolution of Cyber Security The evolution of cyber security can be traced back to the early days of computing when security measures were minimal, and the internet was a relatively small network. In the early 90s, firewalls were the common method of protecting networks and data from cyber-attacks. Now, this field of cyber security has a wide range of technologies: Intrusion detection systems Threat intelligence Security information and event management (SIEM) Conclusion In my article on the types of cyberattacks, you should have understood all about cyber attacks. You looked at what a cyber attack is, the top ten types of cyber attacks, and the ways to prevent a cyber crime attack against your customers. Every second of the day their increasing number of cyber crimes, it is good idea to be aware of cyber attacks and how one can protect their network. If you would like to understand more about this topic, watch this video: Top Cybersecurity Threats. Do you have any questions for us concerning ‘Types of Cyber Attacks’? Please mention them in the comment section of this article. Also check out our Advanced Executive Program in Cybersecurity and learn from experts. Author Nerdcore Computers Service Centre

Cyber Crime Threat Report 2022-2023 Foreword I am pleased to present the Annual Cyber Threat Report 2022–23 developed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). As the Defence Strategic Review made clear, in the post-Second World War period Australia was protected by its geography and the limited ability of other nations in the region to project combat power. In the current strategic era, Australia’s geographic advantages have been eroded as more countries have enhanced their ability to project combat power across greater ranges, including through the rapid development of cyber capabilities. Australia’s region, the Indo-Pacific, is also now seeing growing competition on multiple levels – economic, military, strategic and diplomatic – framed by competing values and narratives. In this context, Australian governments, critical infrastructure, businesses and households continue to be the target of malicious cyber actors. This report illustrates that both state and non-state actors continue to show the intent and capability to compromise Australia’s networks. It also highlights the added complexity posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Cyber Crime Threat Report 2022-2023 The report demonstrates the persistent threat that state cyber capabilities pose to Australia. This threat extends beyond cyber espionage campaigns to disruptive activities against Australia’s essential services. The report also confirms that the borderless and multi-billion dollar cybercrime industry continues to cause significant harm to Australia, with Australians remaining an attractive target for cybercriminal syndicates around the world. Through case studies, the report demonstrates the persistence and tenacity of these cyber actors. It shows that these adversaries constantly test vulnerabilities in Australia’s cyber ecosystem and employ a range of techniques to evade Australia’s cyber defences. The threat environment characterised in this report underscores the importance of ASD’s work in defending Australia’s security and prosperity. It also reinforces the significance of the Australian Government’s investment in ASD’s cyber and intelligence capabilities under Project REDSPICE (Resilience, Effects, Defence, Space, Intelligence, Cyber, Enablers). It is clear we must maintain an enduring focus on cyber security in Australia. The Australian Government is committed to leading our nation’s efforts to bolster our cyber resilience. We also know that the best cyber defences are founded on genuine partnerships between and across the public and private sectors. The development of this report, which draws on insights from across the Commonwealth Government, our international partners, Australian industry and the community, is a testament to this collaboration. This report presents a clear picture of the cyber threat landscape we face and is a vital part of Australia’s collective efforts to enhance our cyber resilience. About ASD’s ACSC ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is the Australian Government’s technical authority on cyber security. The ACSC brings together capabilities to improve Australia’s national cyber resilience and its services include: the Australian Cyber Security Hotline, which is contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) publishing alerts, technical advice, advisories and notifications on significant cyber security threats cyber threat monitoring and intelligence sharing with partners, including through the Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing (CTIS) platform helping Australian entities respond to cyber security incidents exercises and uplift activities to enhance the cyber security resilience of Australian entities supporting collaboration between over 110,000 Australian organisations and individuals on cyber security issues through ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program. The most effective cyber security is collaborative and partnerships are key to this work. ASD thanks all of the organisations that contributed to this report. This includes Australian local, state, territory and federal government agencies, and industry partners. Executive summary Malicious cyber activity continued to pose a risk to Australia’s security and prosperity in the FY 2022-23. A range of malicious cyber actors showed the intent and capability needed to compromise vital systems, and Australian networks were regularly targeted by both opportunistic and more deliberate malicious cyber activity. ASD responded to over 1,100 cyber security incidents from Australian entities. Separately, nearly 94,000 reports were made to law enforcement through ReportCyber – around one every 6 minutes. ASD identified a number of key cyber security trends in FY 2022–23: State actors focused on critical infrastructure – data theft and disruption of business. Globally, government and critical infrastructure networks were targeted by state cyber actors as part of ongoing information-gathering campaigns or disruption activities. The AUKUS partnership, with its focus on nuclear submarines and other advanced military capabilities, is likely a target for state actors looking to steal intellectual property for their own military programs. Cyber operations are increasingly the preferred vector for state actors to conduct espionage and foreign interference. In 2022–23, ASD joined international partners to call out Russia’s Federal Security Service’s use of ‘Snake’ malware for cyber espionage, and also highlighted activity associated with a People’s Republic of China state-sponsored cyber actor that used ‘living-off-the-land’ techniques to compromise critical infrastructure organisations. Australian critical infrastructure was targeted via increasingly interconnected systems. Operational technology connected to the internet and into corporate networks has provided opportunities for malicious cyber actors to attack these systems. In 2022–23, ASD responded to 143 cyber security incidents related to critical infrastructure. Cybercriminals continued to adapt tactics to extract maximum payment from victims. Cybercriminals constantly evolved their operations against Australian organisations, fuelled by a global industry of access brokers and extortionists. ASD responded to 127 extortion-related incidents: 118 of these incidents involved ransomware or other forms of restriction to systems, files or accounts. Business email compromise remained a key vector to conduct cybercrime. Ransomware also remained a highly destructive cybercrime type, as did hacktivists’ denial-of-service attacks, impacting organisations’ business operations. Data breaches impacted many Australians. Significant data breaches resulted in millions of Australians having their information stolen and leaked on the dark web. One in 5 critical vulnerabilities was exploited within 48 hours. This was despite patching or mitigation advice being available. Malicious cyber actors used these critical flaws to cause significant incidents and compromise networks, aided by inadequate patching. Cyber security is increasingly challenged by complex ICT supply chains and advances in fields such as artificial intelligence. To boost cyber security, Australia must consider not only technical controls such as ASD’s Essential Eight, but also growing a positive cyber-secure culture across business and the community. This includes prioritising secure-by-design and secure-by-default products during both development (vendors) and procurement (customers). ASD’s first year of REDSPICE increased cyber threat intelligence sharing, the uplift of critical infrastructure, and an enhanced 24/7 national incident response capability. Genuine partnerships across both the public and private sectors have remained essential to Australia’s cyber resilience; and ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program has grown to include over 110,000 organisations and individuals. Year in review What ASD saw Average cost of cybercrime per report, up 14 per cent small business: $46,000 medium business: $97,200 large business: $71,600. Nearly 94,000 cybercrime reports, up 23 per cent on average a report every 6 minutes an increase from 1 report every 7 minutes. Answered over 33,000 calls to the Australian Cyber Security Hotline, up 32 per cent on average 90 calls per day an increase from 69 calls per day. Top 3 cybercrime types for individuals identity fraud online banking fraud online shopping fraud. Top 3 cybercrime types for business email compromise business email compromise (BEC) fraud online banking fraud. Publicly reported common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) increased 20 per cent. What ASD did Responded to over 1,100 cyber security incidents, similar to last year. 10 per cent of all incidents responded to included ransomware, similar to last year. Notified 158 entities of ransomware activity on their networks, compared to 148 last year, roughly a 7 per cent increase. Australian Protective Domain Name System blocked over 67 million malicious domain requests, up 176 per cent. Domain Takedown Service blocked over 127,000 attacks against Australian servers, up 336 per cent. Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing partners grew by 688 per cent to over 250 partners. Cyber Hygiene Improvement Program issued 103 High-priority Operational Taskings, up 110 per cent distributed around 4,900 reports to approximately 1,360 organisations, up 16 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. Critical Infrastructure Uplift Program (CI-UP) achieved 3 CI-UPs completed covering 6 CI assets 3 CI-UPs in progress 20 CI-UP Info Packs sent 5 CI-UP workshops held. Notified 7 critical infrastructure entities of suspicious cyber activity, up from 5 last year. Published or updated 34 PROTECT and Information Security Manual (ISM) guidance publications. Published 64 alerts, advisories, incident and insight reports on cyber.gov.au and the Partnership Portal. ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program grew to around 110,000 partners Individual Partners up 24 per cent Business Partners up 37 per cent Network Partners up 29 per cent. Led 20 cyber security exercises involving over 75 organisations to strengthen Australia’s cyber resilience. Briefed board members and company directors covering 33 per cent of the ASX200. ASD is able to build a national cyber threat picture, in part due to the timely and rich reporting of cyber security incidents by members of the public and Australian business. This aggregation of cyber security incident data enables ASD to inform threat mitigation advice with the latest trends and threats posed by malicious cyber actors. Any degradation in the quantity or quality of information reported to ASD harms cyber security outcomes. Information reported to ASD is anonymised prior to it being communicated to the community. ASD categorises each incident it responds to on a scale of Category 1 (C1), the most severe, to Category 6 (C6), the least severe. Incidents are categorised on severity of effect, extent of compromise, and significance of the organisation. The number of C2 incidents rose from 2 in FY 2021–22 to 5 in FY 2022–23. This includes significant data breaches involving cybercriminals exfiltrating data from critical infrastructure for the purposes of financial gain. Cyber security incidents are consistent with last financial year, with around 15 per cent of all incidents being categorised C3 or above. Of the C3 incidents, over 30 per cent related to organisations self-identifying as critical infrastructure, with transport (21 per cent), energy (17 per cent), and higher education and research (17 per cent) the most affected sectors. The most common C3 incident type was compromised assets, network or infrastructure (23 per cent), followed by data breaches (19 per cent) and ransomware (14 per cent). Common activities leading to C3 incidents included exploitation of public–facing applications (20 per cent) and phishing (17 per cent). Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of C3 incidents involved a tipper, where ASD notified the affected organisations of suspicious activity. While reports of low-level malicious attacks are often categorised as unsuccessful, reports of unsuccessful activity are still indicative of continual targeting of Australian entities. Cyber security incidents by sector Compared to 2021–22, the information media and telecommunications sector fell out of the top 5 reporting sectors. Government sectors and regulated critical infrastructure have reporting obligations, which may explain the relatively high reporting rate for these sectors compared with others. ASD categorises sectors following the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) Divisions from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The public safety and administration division encompasses several sectors including federal, state, territory and local governments, public order and safety services, and Defence. Table 3: The top 10 reporting sectors Chapter 1: Exploitation Half of vulnerabilities were exploited within 2 weeks of a patch, or of mitigation advice being released, highlighting the risks entities take by not promptly patching. Patching vulnerabilities in internet-facing services should occur within 2 weeks, or 48 hours if an exploit exists. Vulnerable internet-facing devices and applications are convenient targets for malicious cyber actors. In addition to patching, unnecessary internet-facing services should be disabled. Vulnerable and exposed As Australians integrate more technology into their lives and businesses, the number of possible weak points or vectors for malicious cyber actors to exploit – known as the attack surface – grows. The larger the attack surface, the harder it is to defend. Malicious cyber actors often exploit security weaknesses found in ICT, known as common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs), to break into systems, steal data, or even take complete control over a system. The number of published CVEs has been steadily on the rise. The US National Vulnerability Database published 19,379 CVEs in FY 2020–21, 24,266 CVEs in FY 2021–22, and 29,019 CVEs in FY 2022–23. To identify the rates at which CVEs were exploited after a patch or mitigation was made available, ASD analysed 60 CVEs covering 1 July 2020 to 28 February 2023. The analysis found around 82 per cent of vulnerabilities had an attack vector of ‘network’ under the Common Vulnerability Scoring Scheme. This indicates that malicious actors prefer vulnerabilities that are remotely exploitable and are present on internet-facing or edge devices. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities allows malicious actors to pivot into internal networks. The analysis also found: 1 in 5 vulnerabilities was exploited within 48 hours of a patch or mitigation advice being released half of the vulnerabilities were exploited within 2 weeks of a patch or mitigation advice being released 2 in 5 vulnerabilities were exploited more than one month after a patch or mitigation advice was released. Despite more than 90 per cent of CVEs having a patch or mitigation advice available within 2 weeks of public disclosure, 50 per cent of the CVEs were still exploited more than 2 weeks after that patch or mitigation advice was published. This highlights the risk entities carry when not patching promptly. These risks are heightened when a proof-of-concept code is available and shared online, as malicious cyber actors can leverage this code for use in automated tools, lowering the barrier for exploitation. ASD observed that Log4Shell (CVE-2021-44228) and ProxyLogon (CVE-2021-26855) were by far the most commonly exploited vulnerabilities throughout the analysis period, with these 2 vulnerabilities representing 29 per cent of all CVE-related incidents. CVEs do not have an expiration date. In one instance, ASD observed that malicious cyber actors successfully exploited an unpatched 7-year-old CVE. Additionally, ASD still receives periodic reports of WannaCry malware – 6 years after its release – which is likely due to old, infected legacy machines being powered on and connected to networks. Incidents like this highlight the importance of patching as soon as possible, and also demonstrate the long tail of risks that unpatched and legacy systems can pose to entities. During 2022–23, ASD published many alerts warning Australians of vulnerabilities, such as the critical remote code execution vulnerability in Fortinet devices (CVE-2022-40684), and a high-severity vulnerability present in Microsoft Outlook for Windows (CVE-2023-23397). ASD also published a joint Five-Eyes advisory detailing the top 12 CVEs most frequently and routinely exploited by malicious cyber actors for the 2022 calendar year. Patching To help mitigate vulnerabilities, ASD recommends all entities patch, update or otherwise mitigate vulnerabilities in online services and internet-facing devices within 48 hours when vulnerabilities are assessed as critical by vendors or when working exploits exist. Otherwise, vulnerabilities should be patched, updated or otherwise mitigated within 2 weeks. Entities with limited cyber security expertise who are unable to patch rapidly should consider using a reputable cloud service provider or managed service provider that can help ensure timely patching. ASD acknowledges not all entities may be able to immediately patch, update or apply mitigations for vulnerabilities due to high-availability business requirements or system limitations. In such cases, entities should consider compensating controls like disabling unnecessary internet-facing services, strengthening access controls, enforcing network separation, and closely monitoring systems for anomalous activity. Entities should ensure decision makers understand the level of risk they hold and the potential consequences should their systems or data be compromised as a result of a malicious actor exploiting unmitigated vulnerabilities. Further patching advice can be found in ASD’s Assessing Vulnerabilities and Applying Patches guide. Cyber hygiene In addition to patching, effective cyber security hygiene is vital. At cyber.gov.au, ASD has published a range of easy-to-understand advice and guides tailored for individuals, small and medium business, enterprises, and critical infrastructure providers. All Australians should: enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for online services where available use long, unique passphrases for every account if MFA is not available, particularly for services like email and banking (password managers can assist with such activities) turn on automatic updates for all software – do not ignore installation prompts regularly back up important files and device configuration settings be alert for phishing messages and scams sign up for the ASD’s free Alert Service report cybercrime to ReportCyber. Australian organisations should also: only use reputable cloud service providers and managed service providers that implement appropriate cyber security measures regularly test cyber security detection, incident response, business continuity and disaster recovery plans review the cyber security posture of remote workers, including their use of communication, collaboration and business productivity software train staff on cyber security matters, in particular how to recognise scams and phishing attempts implement relevant guidance from ASD’s Essential Eight Maturity Model, Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents and Information Security Manual join ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program report cybercrime and cyber security incidents to ReportCyber. Case study 1: Malicious cyber actors exploit devices 2 years after patch On 24 May 2019, Fortinet, a US vendor that creates cyber security products, released a security advisory and accompanying patch for CVE-2018-13379, which was a severe vulnerability that required immediate patching. On 2 April 2021, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) published an advisory on the exploitation of Fortinet FortiOS vulnerabilities, which indicated advanced persistent threat (APT) groups were scanning devices for CVE-2018-13379 and likely to gain access to multiple government, commercial, and technology services networks. On 3 April 2021, ASD released an alert reminding organisations that APT groups had been observed exploiting CVE-2018-13379. Later, in September 2021, ASD received a report of a successful exploitation of CVE-2018-13379 against an Australian entity. Despite being vulnerable for more than 2 years, the victim’s device had not been patched. While it is difficult to ascertain how widely Fortinet devices are used globally, researchers identified around 50,000 targets that remained vulnerable 2 years after the patch was released. This number is so significant that it was added to CISA’s Top Routinely Exploited Vulnerabilities list. The primary mitigation against these attacks is to patch vulnerabilities as soon as possible. If patching is not immediately possible, the entity should consider removing internet access from Fortinet devices until other mitigations can be implemented. Case study 2: A network compromise at the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale The rural Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, 45 kilometres from the Perth CBD, may seem an unlikely place for malicious cyber activity to unfold. But, in early 2023, the Shire experienced a network compromise. Shire ICT Manager Matthew Younger said the malicious cyber actor took advantage of a public-facing system. ‘We’re quite diligent with our patching, but unfortunately we missed an update to our remote work server,’ Mr Younger said. Before taking immediate remediation action, the Shire’s ICT team held a conference call with ASD to discuss the best way to manage the compromise, and Mr Younger said ASD’s help was first-class. ‘We put a perimeter around the compromised server, checked for lateral movement, and gathered evidence to work out what happened. Everything we found led back to the importance of the Essential Eight.’ ASD also sent an incident responder to help the Shire’s ICT team capture virtual machine snapshots and log data. ASD handles incident data with strict confidentiality, and such data helps its analysts understand how cyber security incidents occur and produces intelligence to help build the national cyber threat picture and to prevent further attacks. Mr Younger said that after the compromise, the Shire doubled-down on its efforts to implement ASD’s Essential Eight. ‘We enforced passphrases, we improved our information security policies, and we improved our user security training. We also validated our controls through penetration testing and phishing exercises.’ Mr Younger credits much of the Shire’s success to its agile leadership who, with limited resources, foster the right security culture to both respond to cyber threats and implement mitigations. CVE-2020-5902 BIG-IP refers to a suite of products from cyber security vendor F5, which includes firewall and application delivery solutions. On 1 July 2020, F5 released a security advisory detailing a critical vulnerability in their BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface (TMUI). Within 48 hours of patch release, security researchers discovered malicious cyber actors scanning for and exploiting unpatched devices. The Essential Eight ASD’s Essential Eight are some of the most effective cyber security mitigation strategies, and includes: 1. application control 2. patch applications 3. configure Microsoft Office macro settings 4. user application hardening 5. restrict administrative privileges 6. patch operating systems 7. multi-factor authentication 8. regular backups ASD uses its cyber threat intelligence to ensure its cyber security advice is contemporary and actionable. ASD’s advice is not formed in a silo. Feedback from partners across government and industry, such as how cyber security mitigations are implemented within organisations, is important. Feedback helps ASD update advice like the Essential Eight. More information on the Essential Eight, including the Essential Eight Assessment Process Guide and Essential Eight Maturity Model Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at cyber.gov.au. Chapter 2: Critical infrastructure During FY 2022–23, Australian critical infrastructure networks regularly experienced both targeted and opportunistic malicious cyber activity. Activity against these networks is likely to increase as networks grow in size and complexity. Malicious cyber actors can steal or encrypt data, or gain insider knowledge for profit or competitive advantage. Some actors may attempt to degrade or disrupt services and these incidents can have cascading impacts. Designing robust cyber security measures for operational technology environments is vital to protect the safety, availability, integrity and confidentiality of essential services. Secure-by-design and secure‑by-default products should be a priority. Actors target critical infrastructure for many reasons Critical infrastructure assets and networks are attractive targets for malicious cyber activity as these assets need to hold sensitive information, maintain essential services, and often have high levels of connectivity with other organisations and critical infrastructure sectors. A cyber incident can result in a range of impacts to critical services. For instance, the disruption of an electricity grid could cause a region to lose power. Without power, a hospital may lose access to patient records and struggle to function, internet services may be down and affect communications and payment systems, or water supply could be impacted. Globally, a broad range of malicious cyber actors, including state actors, cybercriminals and issue‑motivated groups, have demonstrated the intent and the capability to target critical infrastructure. Malicious cyber actors may target critical infrastructure for a range of reasons. For example, they may: attempt to degrade or disrupt services, such as through denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, which can have a significant impact on service providers and their customers steal or encrypt data or gain insider knowledge for profit or competitive advantage preposition themselves on systems by installing malware, in anticipation of future disruptive or destructive cyber operations, potentially years in advance covertly seek sensitive information through cyber espionage to advance strategic aims. Critical infrastructure can be targeted by the mass scanning of networks for both old and new vulnerabilities. In February 2023, an Italian energy and water provider was affected by ransomware. While there was no indication the water or energy supply was affected, it reportedly took 4 days to restore systems like information databases. Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency publicly noted the ransomware attack targeted older and unpatched software, exploiting a 2-year-old vulnerability. Critical infrastructure is a target globally During 2022–23, critical infrastructure networks around the world continued to be targeted, causing impacts on network operators and those relying on critical services. In the latter half of 2022, the French health system reportedly sustained a number of cyber incidents. One hospital fell victim to a ransomware incident, resulting in the cancellation of some surgical operations and forcing patients to be transferred to other hospitals. The hospital’s computer systems had to be shut down to isolate the attack. Russia’s war on Ukraine has continued to demonstrate that critical infrastructure is viewed as a target for disruptive and destructive cyber operations during times of conflict. Malicious cyber actors have targeted and disrupted hospitals, airports, railways, telecommunication providers, energy utilities, and financial institutions across Europe. Destructive malware was also used against critical infrastructure in Ukraine. In September 2022 and May 2023, ASD and its international partners published advisories highlighting that state actors were targeting multiple US critical infrastructure sectors, and strongly encouraged Australian entities to review their networks for signs of malicious activity. More details about these advisories is in the state actor chapter. Australian critical infrastructure is impacted Australian critical infrastructure networks regularly experienced both targeted and opportunistic malicious cyber activity. During 2022–23, ASD responded to 143 incidents reported by entities who self-identified as critical infrastructure, an increase from the 95 incidents reported in 2021–22. The vast majority of these incidents were low-level malicious attacks or isolated compromises. The main cyber security incident types affecting Australian critical infrastructure were: compromised account or credentials compromised asset, network or infrastructure DoS. These incident types accounted for approximately 57 per cent of the incidents affecting critical infrastructure for 2022–23. Other more prominent incident types were data breaches followed by malware infection. ASD encourages critical infrastructure entities to report anomalous activity early and not wait until malicious activity reaches the threshold for a mandatory report. Reporting helps piece together a picture of the cyber threat landscape, and informs ASD’s cyber security alerts and advisories for the benefit of all Australian entities. Critical infrastructure networks have a broad attack surface The interconnected nature of critical infrastructure networks, and the third parties in their ICT supply chain, increases the attack surface for many entities. This includes remote access and management solutions, which are increasingly present in critical infrastructure networks. Operational technology (OT) and connected systems, including corporate networks, will likely be of enduring interest to malicious cyber actors. OT can be targeted to access a corporate network and vice versa, potentially allowing malicious cyber actors to move laterally through systems to reach their target. Even when OT is not directly targeted, attacks on connected corporate networks can disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure providers. Systems where software or hardware are not up to date with the latest security mitigations are vulnerable to exploitation, particularly when these systems are exposed to the internet. ICT supply chain and managed service providers are another avenue malicious cyber actors can exploit. Explainer 1: Operational technology OT makes up those systems that detect or cause a direct change to the physical environment through the monitoring or control of devices, processes, and events. OT is predominantly used to describe industrial control systems (ICS), which include supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and distributed control systems (DCS). Australian critical infrastructure providers often operate over large geographical areas and require interconnection between dispersed OT environments. Separately, remote access to OT environments from corporate IT environments and the internet has become standard operating procedure. Remote access allows engineers and technicians to remotely manage and configure the OT environment. However, this interconnection or remote access requires an internet connection, which creates additional cyber security risks to OT environments. In April 2023, irrigation systems in Israel were reportedly disrupted when the ICS supporting the automated water controllers were compromised. Israel’s National Cyber Organisation was able to warn many farmers to disconnect their remote control option for the irrigation systems, so the disruption was minimal. Being able to disconnect from remote control also highlights the value of a manual override mechanism in some instances. Next-generation OT is expected to contain built-in remote access and security features, which could address some of the issues related to remote access and internet exposure. ASD continues to advise entities to prioritise secure-by-design and secure-by-default products in procurements, and take a risk-based approach to managing risks associated with new technologies or providers. Good cyber security practices will be particularly important during a transition to new technologies. At cyber.gov.au, ASD has published a range of cyber security guides for OT and ICS, and also principles and approaches to secure-by-design and default. In focus: food and grocery sector The food and grocery sector covers a broad supply chain including processing, packaging, importing, and distributing food and groceries. Food and grocery manufacturing is Australia’s largest manufacturing sector, comprising over 16,000 businesses and representing around 32 per cent of all manufacturing jobs. Food and grocery organisations are an attractive target for malicious cyber actors as this sector’s provision of essential supplies has little tolerance for disruption. The sector’s complex supply chains and growing online sales mean food and grocery organisations have a large attack surface. The sector is increasingly reliant on smart technologies, industrial control systems, and internet-based automation systems. Additionally, many entities in this sector hold sensitive data that may be of value to malicious cyber actors, such as personal information or intellectual property. Like other manufacturing entities, food and grocery organisations have increasingly adopted just-in-time inventory and delivery chains in pursuit of greater efficiency and reduced waste. This means the food and grocery sector is also vulnerable if a supplier is affected by a cyber incident that disrupts services. Large entities in this sector may be targeted based on the view that they can be extorted for large sums of money. Smaller entities may be perceived as having lower cyber security maturity, and may be used to access more lucrative targets in their supply chain. Malicious cyber actors may seek to remain undetected on systems to establish a secure foothold and then move to other systems within a business to exfiltrate data or maintain a presence for future malicious activity. A cyberattack against entities in this sector could have significant impacts for both the victim organisation and its customers. For example, a ransomware attack that locks systems could halt production and delivery, rendering a business unable to fulfil its orders. The second order impacts of this could be costly – including lost revenue, or lost confidence from business partners and customers alike. Early detection of malicious activity is vital for mitigating cyber threats. It can take time to discover a compromised network or system, so robust and regular monitoring is essential. Likewise, practised incident response plans and playbooks should form part of broader corporate and cyber plans to aid remediation and minimise the impact of a compromise. Entities in this sector should seek secure-by-design and secure‑by-default products wherever possible to boost their cyber security posture. A comprehensive list of resources for critical infrastructure is available at cyber.gov.au, including guidance for cyber incident response and business continuity plans. Case study 3: Global food distributor held to ransom In February 2023, Dole – one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of fruit and vegetables – was a victim of a ransomware incident, resulting in a shut down of its systems throughout North America. Other reported impacts included some product shortages, a limited impact on operations, and theft of company data – including some employee information. While Dole acted swiftly to minimise the impacts of the incident, it still reported USD $10.5 million in direct costs, and faced reputational damage. Explainer 2: Effective separation Separating network segments can help to isolate critical network elements from the internet or other less sensitive parts of a network. This strategy can make it significantly more difficult for malicious cyber actors to access an organisation’s most sensitive data, and can aid cyber threat detection. In 2022–23, ASD observed that effective separation through network segmentation and firewall policies prevented malware from impacting an Australian critical infrastructure provider. Additionally, through effective separation an Australian critical infrastructure provider prevented the deployment of malware from a contractor’s USB drive onto their OT environment. Network separation is more than just a logical or physical design decision: it should also consider where system administration and management services are placed. Often, the corporate IT network is separated from the OT environment, because the corporate IT network is usually seen as having a higher risk of compromise due to its internet connectivity and services like email and web browsing. However, if a malicious cyber actor compromises the corporate IT network and gains greater access privileges, then the corporate IT firewall may no longer provide the desired level of protection for the OT environment. This similarly applies if the Active Directory (AD) Domain for the OT environment is inside an AD Forest administered from the corporate IT network. Critical infrastructure operators should regularly assess the risk of insufficient separation of system administrative and management role assignments. For example, in scenarios where the virtualisation of OT infrastructure or components is managed by privileged accounts from a corporate domain, if the corporate environment was to become compromised then the OT environment would potentially be impacted and those necessary privileged IT accounts may not be accessible. Case study 4: Horizon Power working with ASD Western Australian energy provider Horizon Power distributes electricity across the largest geographical catchment of any Australian energy provider – around 2.3 million square kilometres, or roughly an area 4 times bigger than France. It operates a diverse range of OT and ICT infrastructure to manage around 8,300 kilometres of transmission lines and deliver power to more than 45,000 customers. In early 2023, Horizon Power partnered with ASD to conduct a range of activities to help examine and test its cyber security posture and controls. Horizon Power’s security team worked side-by-side with ASD’s experts to help improve threat detection, security event triage and response; practice forensic artefact collection; and enhance security communication across the enterprise. The activities have helped to improve both the speed and the quality with which Horizon Power can respond to and manage cyber incidents, including sharing cyber threat intelligence with ASD. Horizon Power Senior Technology Manager Jeff Campbell said engaging ASD was easy, there were clear objectives, and the network assessments were excellent. ‘Long past are the days of holding cards to our chest. Sharing information is really important across multiple industries and sectors. To improve security, you need to find out what you don’t know.’ Mr Campbell said having ASD onsite helped to test many assumptions about the company’s network security, like its segmentation practices and vulnerability management. 'The engagement highlighted the importance of getting visibility over systems, and also helped to demonstrate that effective cyber security is vital to helping mitigate business risks.' Learn more about the open, collaborative partnership between Horizon Power and the Australian Signals Directorate that enabled Horizon Power to bolster its cyber security controls. Building cyber resilience in critical infrastructure Malicious cyber activity against Australian critical infrastructure is likely to increase as networks grow in size and complexity. Critical infrastructure organisations can do many things to reduce the attack surface, secure systems, and protect sensitive data to help ensure Australia’s essential services remain resilient. Such as: Follow best practice cyber security, like ASD’s Essential Eight, or equivalent framework as required for a critical infrastructure risk-management program. Thoroughly understand networks, map them, and maintain an asset registry to help manage devices on all networks, including OT. Consider the security capabilities available on devices as part of routine architecture and asset review, and the most secure approach to hard-coded passwords. Scrutinise the organisation’s ICT supply chain vulnerabilities and risks. Prioritise secure-by-design or secure-by-default products. Consider the security controls of any new software, hardware, or OT before it is purchased, and understand vendor support for future patches and ongoing security costs. Build cyber security costs into budgets for the entire lifecycle of the product, including the product’s replacement. Understand what is necessary to keep critical services operating and protect these systems as a priority. Ensure OT and IT systems can be, or are, segmented to ensure the service is able to operate during a cyber incident. Treat a cyber incident as a ‘when’ not ‘if’ scenario in risk and business continuity planning, and regularly practice cyber incident response plans. Maintain open communication with ASD. ASD has a number of programs to support critical infrastructure, including cyber uplift activities and cyber threat intelligence sharing. Follow ASD’s cyber security publications tailored for critical infrastructure entities available at cyber.gov.au. Explainer 3: The Trusted Information Sharing Network The Department of Home Affairs’ Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) takes an all-hazards approach to help build security and resilience for organisations within the Australian critical infrastructure community. To rapidly and flexibly address current and future threats to Australia’s security, the TISN allows for all levels of government and industry to connect and collaborate. Since launching the TISN platform in 2022, the network has been vital in amplifying key messages and information to members, facilitating sector group meetings and contributing to the weekly Community of Interest meetings to inform members of current data breaches, cyber threats, and technical advice available from ASD. Explainer 4: Resilience in financial services CPS 230 Operational Risk Management Events of recent years have demonstrated the critical importance of financial institutions being able to manage and respond to operational risks, evident for example in the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, technology risks and natural disasters. Sound operational risk management is fundamental to financial safety and system stability. To ensure that all APRA-regulated entities in Australia are well placed to manage operational risk and respond to business disruptions when they inevitably occur, on 17 July 2023, APRA released the new Prudential Standard CPS 230 Operational Risk Management (CPS 230). CPS 230 encompasses operational risk controls and monitoring, business continuity planning and the management of third-party service providers. The aim of the standard is to: strengthen operational risk management with new requirements to address weaknesses that have been identified in existing practices of APRA-regulated entities. This includes requirements to maintain and test internal controls to ensure they are effective in managing key operational risks improve business continuity planning to ensure that APRA-regulated entities are ready to respond to severe business disruptions, and maintain critical operations such as payments, settlements, fund administration and claims processing. It is important that all APRA regulated entities are able to adapt processes and systems to continue to operate in the event of a disruption and set clear tolerances for the maximum level of disruption they are willing to accept for critical operations enhance third-party risk management by extending requirements to cover all material service providers that APRA-regulated entities rely upon for critical operations or that expose them to material operational risk, rather than just those that have been outsourced. The new standard also aims to ensure that APRA-regulated entities are well positioned to meet the challenges of rapid change in the industry and in technology more generally. CPS 234 Information Security As part of APRA’s Cyber Security Strategy, all regulated entities are required to engage an independent auditor to perform an assessment against CPS 234, APRA’s Information Security Prudential Standard. This is the largest assessment of its kind conducted by APRA. By the end of 2023, more than 300 banks, insurers and superannuation trustees will have completed their assessment. Early insights, from the assessments completed so far, have identified a number of common weaknesses across the industry, including: incomplete identification and classification for critical and sensitive information assets limited assessment of third-party information security capability inadequate definition and execution of control testing programs incident response plans not regularly reviewed or tested limited internal audit review of information security controls inconsistent reporting of material incidents and control weaknesses to APRA in a timely manner. A summary of these findings, along with guidance to address gaps, have been shared in a recent APRA Insight Article – Cyber Security Stocktake Exposes Gaps. Entities are encouraged to review the common weaknesses identified and incorporate relevant strategies and plans to address shortfalls in their own cyber security controls, governance policies and practices. APRA will continue to work with entities that do not sufficiently meet CPS 234 requirements, to lift the benchmark for cyber resilience across the financial services industry. Chapter 3: State actors State cyber actors will likely continue to target government and critical infrastructure, as well as connected systems and their supply chains as part of ongoing cyber espionage and information‑gathering campaigns. They do not just want state secrets; businesses also hold valuable and sensitive information. Some state actors are willing to use cyber capabilities to destabilise and disrupt systems and infrastructure. They may preposition on networks of strategic value for future malicious activities. Government and industry partnerships are vital in boosting national cyber security and resilience against cyberattacks by state actors. Strategic context The global and regional strategic environment continues to deteriorate, which is reflected in the observable activities of some state actors in cyberspace. In this context, these actors are increasingly using cyber operations as the preferred vector to build their geopolitical competitive edge, whether it is to support their economies or to underpin operations that challenge the sovereignty of others. In the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s Annual Report 2021–22, espionage and foreign interference was noted to have supplanted terrorism as Australia’s principal security concern. Some states are willing to use cyber capabilities to destabilise or disrupt economic, political and social systems. Some also target critical infrastructure or networks of strategic value with the aim of coercion or prepositioning on a network for future disruptive activity. State actors have an enduring interest in obtaining information to develop a detailed understanding of Australians and exploit this for their advantage. While government information is an attractive target for state actors seeking strategic insights into Australia’s national policy and decisions, many Australian businesses also hold sensitive and valuable data such as proprietary information, research, and personal information. Unlike cybercriminals who may post stolen data in public forums, state actors usually try to keep their activities covert – seeking to remain unnoticed, both when they are on an entity’s network and after a compromise. State actors use various tools and techniques In some cases, state actors may develop bespoke tools and techniques to fulfil their operational aims. In May 2023, ASD released a joint cyber security advisory with its international partners on the Snake implant – a cyber espionage tool designed and used by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) for long-term intelligence collection on high-priority targets around the globe. Shortly after, Australia co-badged another joint cyber security advisory with international partners that outlined malicious cyber activity associated with a People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actor. Case study 5: Advisory – People’s Republic of China state-sponsored cyber activity [Go to advisory] In May 2023, ASD joined international partners in highlighting a recently discovered cluster of activity associated with a PRC state-sponsored cyber actor, also known as Volt Typhoon. The campaign involved ‘living-off-the-land’ techniques – using built-in operating tools to help blend in with normal system and network activities. Private sector partners identified that this activity affected networks across US critical infrastructure sectors. However, the same techniques could be applied against critical infrastructure sectors worldwide, including in Australia. ASD published the People’s Republic of China State-Sponsored Cyber Actor Living off the Land to Evade Detection advisory on cyber.gov.au and hosted numerous events to brief its Network Partners. For help to implement the advisory – call 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371). Even when state actors have access to more advanced capabilities, they can use common tools and techniques to avoid the discovery of their best capabilities. For example, state actors continue to use relatively well-known tactics, such as exploiting unpatched or misconfigured systems and spear phishing. The threat of state actor cyber operations is very real State actors will likely continue to target government and critical infrastructure, as well as connected systems and their supply chains, as part of ongoing cyber espionage and information-gathering campaigns. Significant disruptive and destructive activities could occur if there were a major deterioration in Australia’s geopolitical environment. It is clear that preventative cyber security measures – such as implementing cyber security essentials, information-sharing and national cyber cooperation – are by far the best ways to help secure Australian networks. In focus: Russia’s war on Ukraine Cyber operations have been used alongside more conventional military activities during Russia’s war on Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have faced many cyberattacks that impacted their societies, with extensive targeting of government and critical infrastructure networks. Cyberattacks that began before the invasion of Ukraine have continued into 2023. Between January 2022 and the first week of February 2023, the Computer Emergency Response Team-Europe (CERT-EU) identified and analysed 806 cyberattacks associated with Russia’s war on Ukraine. There has been extensive cyber targeting of Ukrainian networks across many sectors, including finance, telecommunications, energy, media, military and government. Ukraine has faced ransomware, denial‑of‑service (DoS) attacks, and mass phishing campaigns against critical infrastructure, government departments, officials and private citizens. Russia has also been subject to cyber operations. Russian authorities have reported some of its federal agencies’ websites, including its energy ministry, were compromised by unknown attackers in a supply chain attack. Cyberattacks against Russia have tended to target entities related to the government, military, banking, logistics, transport and energy sectors. Cyber operations have enabled a borderless conflict Cyber operations associated with Russia’s invasion have affected entities in multiple countries during the first year of the conflict, including the European Parliament, European governments, the Israeli Government, and hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, the US, and the UK. Many of these countries have linked the attacks to pro-Russian groups. For example, pro-Russian hacktivists, KillNet, have claimed a number of attacks such as the February 2023 DoS attack on numerous German websites, including those for German airports, public administration bodies, financial sector organisations, and other private companies. Belarus also reported its railway network was disrupted by a cyberattack, allegedly as retaliation for its use in transporting Russian troops. In some cases, Australia–based operations of European organisations have been impacted. Many cyber actors are involved in the conflict in offence and defence The mix of state and non-state cyber actors participating in Russia’s war on Ukraine has added to an already complex cyberspace domain. While state actors were on the ‘cyber front’, particularly during the earlier stages of the conflict, there was significant activity by hacktivists from around the globe as the conflict progressed. Regardless of whether a malicious cyber actor was a state, state-sponsored, or a non-state actor acting of their own volition, the scale and frequency of malicious cyber activity during the conflict has challenged cyber defenders on all sides. For example, at least 8 variants of destructive malware were identified in the first 6 weeks of the conflict, including wiper malware designed to erase data or prevent computers from booting. Both state and non-state cyber actors have been on the offensive and defensive. Ukraine’s networks have been resilient and have largely withstood sustained cyberattacks. Ukraine has said this resilience is due to robust defences developed following previous cyberattacks, as well as partnerships with private sector IT companies. For example, with the support of private companies, Ukrainian government data was migrated to cloud infrastructure, which assured continuity of government services. Private companies also rapidly released threat intelligence, like indicators of compromise, to assist cyber defenders to repel network attacks. Threat intelligence that might impact Australian entities is obtained by ASD through international partners and shared through cyber.gov.au and ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program. Cyber operations can cause disruption and destruction in conflict While the conflict remains ongoing, there are many lessons Australia can learn from Russia’s war on Ukraine. The world is witnessing the destructive impact of cyber operations during conflict, or in the pursuit of a state’s national interests, and how a broad range of critical infrastructure can be disrupted as a result of malicious cyber activity. It also demonstrates the impact non-state participants can have in modern conflict. The conflict has exemplified how government and industry partnerships are critical to boosting national cyber security and resilience. Case study 6: The CTIS community at work – KillNet The Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing (CTIS) platform, operated by ASD, was developed with industry, for Australian Government and industry partners to build a comprehensive national threat picture and empower entities to defend their networks. CTIS allows participating entities to share indicators of compromise (IOCs) bilaterally at machine speed. Participating entities can use these IOCs to identify and block activity on their own networks, and share IOCs observed on their own networks with other CTIS partners. The number of partners using CTIS increased seven-fold over 2022–23: in July 2022 there were 32 CTIS partners (18 consuming, 14 contributing) in June 2023 there were 252 CTIS partners (165 consuming, 87 contributing) by the end of FY 2022–23, CTIS shared 50,436 pieces of cyber threat intelligence as of 2023, ASD is progressing a further 313 candidate organisations for on-boarding. In March 2023, a CTIS partner shared almost 1,000 IP addresses relating to a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack on an Australian organisation. The partner linked the DDoS attack to the malicious cyber actor KillNet, a well-known pro-Russian hacktivist group. Since Russia’s war on Ukraine began, KillNet’s focus had been primarily Europe; however, recent trends suggest a shift to countries abroad, including Australia and its critical infrastructure. CTIS partner contributions help participants defend their networks, and inform ASD’s understanding of threat actors, their motives and their tactics, techniques, and procedures. This information also helps ASD to identify trends within and across sectors. For more information on CTIS, visit cyber.gov.au and become a Network Partner. Existing Network Partners can register their interest in accessing CTIS by either clicking on the ‘Register your interest’ button via the ASD Partnership Portal, or by contacting acsc.services@defence.gov.au. Chapter 4: Cybercrime Profit-driven cybercriminals continually seek new ways to maximise payment and minimise their risk, including by changing their tactics and techniques to mask their actions and extract payment from victims. Ransomware remains the most destructive cybercrime threat to Australians, but is not the only cybercrime. Business email compromise (BEC), data theft, and denial-of-service (DoS) continue to impose significant costs on all Australians. Building a national culture of cyber literacy, practicing good cyber security hygiene, and remaining vigilant to cybercriminal activity – both at work and at home – will help make it harder for cybercriminals to do business. Cybercrime is big business and causes harm Cybercrime is a multibillion-dollar industry that threatens the wellbeing and security of every Australian. Cybercrime covers a range of illegal activities such as data theft or manipulation, extortion, and disruption or destruction of computer-dependant services. In 2022–23, cybercrime impacted millions of Australians, including individuals, businesses and governments. These crimes have caused harm and continue to impose significant costs on all Australians. The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) found, in its Cybercrime in Australia 2023 report, that individual victims and small-to-medium businesses experience a range of harms from cybercrime that extend beyond financial costs, such as impacts to personal health and legal issues. Cybercrime remains significantly underreported in Australia. The AIC’s report revealed that two-thirds of survey respondents had been victims of cybercrime in their lifetimes. ASD needs community assistance to understand the cyber threat landscape. Australians are encouraged to report cyber security incidents and cybercrime to ReportCyber. ReportCyber is the Australian Government’s online cybercrime reporting tool coordinated by ASD and developed as a national initiative with state and territory police. ReportCyber may link Australians to other Australian Government entities for further support. Cybercrime in 2022–23 The number of extortion-related cyber security incidents ASD responded to increased by around 8 per cent compared to last financial year. Over 90 per cent of these incidents involved ransomware or other forms of restriction to systems, files or accounts. ASD responded to 79 cyber security incidents involving DoS and DDoS, which is more than double the 29 incidents reported to ASD last financial year. Cybercrime reports by state and territory Australia’s more populous states continue to report more cybercrime. Queensland and Victoria report disproportionately higher rates of cybercrime relative to their populations. However, the highest average reported losses were by victims in New South Wales (around $32,000 per cybercrime report where a financial loss occurred) and the Australian Capital Territory (around $29,000). Figure 4: Breakdown of cybercrime reports by jurisdiction for FY 2022–23 Note: Approximately one per cent of reports come from anonymous reporters and other Australian territories. Data has been extracted from live datasets of cybercrime and cyber security reports reported to ASD. As such, the statistics and conclusions in this report are based on point-in-time analysis and assessment. How criminals monetise access Profit-driven cybercriminals continually seek new ways to maximise payment and minimise their risk, including by changing their tactics and techniques to mask their actions and extract payment from victims. Their targeting is largely opportunistic but can also be aimed at specific entities or individuals. The professionalisation of the cybercrime industry means cybercriminals have been able to increase the scale and profitability of their activities. For example, initial access brokers sell their services and accesses to other malicious cyber actors who then use techniques, such as ransomware or data-theft extortion, to target victims. The accessibility of criminal marketplaces has also lowered the bar for entry into cybercrime, which has made cybercrime more accessible to a wide range of actors. To gain initial access, cybercriminals may send multiple malicious links to a broad list of people (known as a phishing campaign), or scan for unpatched and misconfigured systems. Once they compromise a network, they may seek to move laterally through the network to gain access to higher-value systems, information or targets. Cybercriminals may draw on a number of techniques to extract payment from victims, including employing multiple techniques at once – known as double or multiple extortion. While ransomware is a well-known technique, cybercriminals can monetise access to compromised data or systems in many different ways. They may scam a business out of money or goods, extort victims in return for decrypting data or non‑publication of data, on-sell compromised data or systems access for profit, or exploit compromised data or systems for future use. Social engineering: how criminals get a foothold Social engineering is a way in which cybercriminals can gain unauthorised access to systems or data by manipulating a person. They may do this by creating a sense of urgency or desire to help, or by impersonating a trusted source to convince a victim to click on a malicious link or file, or reveal sensitive information through other means – such as over the phone. Phishing is one of the most common and effective techniques used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access to a computer system or network, and this activity may be indiscriminate or targeted. Once a victim engages with the malicious link or file, they may be prompted to provide personal details, or malware may run on their device to covertly retrieve this information. Cybercriminals may then use this information to steal money or goods, or leverage this information to access other accounts and systems of higher value. Australians are becoming more aware of techniques dependent on social engineering, like phishing, but more can be done to build resilience: think twice before clicking on links from unsolicited correspondence verify the legitimacy of suspicious messages with the source via their official website or verified contact information, particularly if it is a request to transfer money or supply sensitive information. Visit the entity’s website directly, rather than via links in emails, SMS or other messaging services report unusual activity as quickly as possible to ReportCyber and Scamwatch educate staff on corporate-focused social engineering tactics and how to identify risk. Explainer 5: Common cybercriminal techniques Phishing is an attempt to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or attachments to harvest sensitive information, like login details or bank account details, or to facilitate other malicious activity. Spear phishing is more targeted and tailored: cybercriminals may research victims using social media and the internet to craft convincing messages designed to lure specific victims. Ransomware is a type of extortion that uses malware for data or system encryption. Cybercriminals encrypt data or a system and request payment in return for decryption keys. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a business model between ransomware operators and ransomware buyers known as ‘affiliates’. Affiliates pay a fee to RaaS operators to use their ransomware, which can enable affiliates with little technical knowledge to deploy ransomware attacks. Data-theft extortion does not require data encryption, but cybercriminals will use extortion tactics such as threatening to expose sensitive data to extract payment. The added threat of reputational damage is intended to pressure a victim into complying with the malicious cyber actor’s demands. Data theft and on-sale is when data is extracted for use by a cybercriminal for the purpose of on-selling the data (such as personal information, logins or passwords) for further criminal activity, including fraud and financial theft. Some malware known as an ‘infostealer’ can do this job for the cybercriminal. Business email compromise (BEC) is a form of email fraud. Cybercriminals target organisations and try to scam them out of money or goods by attempting to trick employees into revealing important business information, often by impersonating trusted senders. BEC can also involve a cybercriminal gaining access to a business email address and then sending out spear phishing emails to clients and customers for information or payment. Denial-of-service (DoS) is designed to disrupt or degrade online services, such as a website. Cybercriminals may direct a large volume of unwanted traffic to consume the victim network’s bandwidth, which limits or prevents legitimate users from accessing the website. Ransomware is a destructive cybercrime Ransomware remains the most destructive cybercrime threat in 2022–23 to Australian entities. ASD recorded 118 ransomware incidents – around 10 per cent of all cyber security incidents. A quarter of the ransomware reports also involved confirmed data exfiltration, also known as ‘double extortion’, where the actor extorts the victim for both data decryption and the non-publication of data. Other ransomware actors claimed to have exfiltrated data, but it is difficult to validate these claims until data exfiltration is confirmed or the legitimacy of leaked data is confirmed. Ransomware is deliberatively disruptive, and places pressure on victims by encrypting and denying access to files. A ransom, usually in the form of cryptocurrency, is then demanded to restore access. This can inhibit entities, particularly those that rely on computer systems to operate and undertake core business functions. Customers may also be impacted if they rely on the goods or services from that entity, or if their data is impacted. For example, in January 2023, cybercriminals reportedly compromised the postal service in the UK, encrypting files and disrupting international shipments for weeks. In other instances, ransomware incidents have had cascading impacts, sparking panic buying, fuel shortages, and medical procedure cancellations. ASD advises against paying ransoms. Payment following a cybercrime incident does not guarantee that the cybercriminals have not already exfiltrated data for on-sale and future extortion. ASD’s incident management capabilities provide technical incident response advice and assistance to Australian organisations. Further information can be found in the How the ASD's ACSC Can Help During a Cyber Security Incident guide. Case study 7: Ransomware in Australia In late 2022, an Australian education institution was impacted by the Royal ransomware, which is likely associated with Russian-speaking cybercrime actors. Royal ransomware restricts access to corporate files and systems through encryption. Notably, it uses a technique called ‘callback phishing’, which tricks a victim into returning a phone call or opening an email attachment that persuades them to install malicious remote access software. When the institution detected the ransomware, it shut down some of its IT systems to stop the spread, which resulted in limited service disruption. An investigation revealed that a limited amount of personal information of both students and staff was compromised. The institution notified affected individuals and reminded them to remain vigilant for suspicious emails or communication. The institution also advised all students and staff to reset their passwords and introduced an additional verification process for remote users. An ICT manager from the institution said downtime from the incident was minimal due to an effective business continuity plan and access to regular backups, which were unaffected by encryption. After the incident, the institution began moving toward more secure data storage methods. The ICT manager said the incident highlighted how ubiquitous data is in an enterprise environment. ‘There were no crown jewels affected, so to speak. Important data was spread across the network. This incident taught us some lessons in relation to account management, and the regular review and archival of data’. In January 2023, ASD published to cyber.gov.au the Royal Ransomware Profile, which describes its tactics, techniques and procedures and outlines mitigations. The ransomware profile was informed by cyber threat intelligence that the education institution shared with ASD. Sectors impacted by ransomware-related cyber security incidents The professional, scientific and technical services sector reported ransomware-related cyber security incidents most frequently to ReportCyber in 2022–23, followed by the retail trade sector, then the manufacturing sector. These 3 sectors accounted for over 40 per cent of reported ransomware-related cyber security incidents. Table 5: Top 5 sectors reporting ransomware-related incidents in FY 2022–23 (ReportCyber data) Entities should consider how a ransomware incident could impact their business and their customers. To help prevent a ransomware attack, it is important to secure devices by turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA), implementing access controls, performing and testing frequent backups, regularly updating devices, and disabling Microsoft Office macros. It is also equally important to practice incident response plans to minimise the impact in the event of a successful ransomware incident. Business email compromise is lucrative BEC is an effective and lucrative technique that exploits trust in business processes and relationships for financial gain. Cybercriminals can compromise the genuine email account of a trusted sender, or impersonate a trusted sender, to solicit sensitive information, money or goods from businesses partners, customers or employees. For example, a cybercriminal may gain access to the email account of a business and send an invoice with new bank account details to a customer of that business. The customer pays the invoice using the fraudulent bank account details provided by the cybercriminal, which is often thousands of dollars. A compromised business may only detect BEC once a customer has paid cybercriminals. In 2022–23, the total self-reported BEC losses to ReportCyber was almost $80 million. There were over 2,000 reports made to law enforcement through ReportCyber of BEC that led to a financial loss. On average, the financial loss from each BEC incident was over $39,000. Before replying to requests seeking money or personal information, look out for changes such as a new point-of-contact, email address or bank details. Simple things like calling an existing contact or the trusted sender to verify a request for money or change of payment details can help to prevent BEC. Explainer 6: Business email compromise advice Organisations should implement clear policies and procedures for workers to verify and validate requests for payment and sensitive information. Additionally: Register additional domain names to prevent typo-squatting – cybercriminals may create misleading domain names based on common typographic errors of a website, hoping its customers do not notice. Further information on Domain Name System Security for Domain Owners is available at cyber.gov.au. Set up email authentication protocols business domains – this helps prevent email spoofing attacks so that cybercriminals cannot wear a ‘digital mask’ pretending to be legitimate. ASD has published the Preventing Business Email Compromise guide to help Australian organisations understand and prevent BEC. Case study 8: Scams in Australia In April 2023, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its Targeting Scams report. The report, which compiles data reported to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, ReportCyber, the Australian Financial Crimes Exchange, IDCARE and other government agencies, provides insight into the scams that impacted Australians in 2022. The report also outlines some of the activities by government, law enforcement, the private sector and community to disrupt and prevent scams. The Targeting Scams report revealed Australians lost over $3 billion to scams in 2022. This is an 80 per cent increase on total losses recorded in 2021. Investment scams were the highest loss category ($1.5 billion), followed by remote access scams ($229 million) and payment redirection scams ($224 million). The most reported contact method used by scammers was text message; however, scam phone calls accounted for the highest reported losses. The second highest reported losses were from social media scams. Older Australians lost more money to scams than other age groups with those aged 65 and over losing $120.7 million, an increase of 47.4 per cent from 2021. First Nations Australians, Australians with disability, and Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse communities each experienced increased losses to scams when compared with data from 2021. On 1 July 2023, the Government launched the National Anti-Scam Centre. The Anti-Scam Centre will expand on the work of the ACCC’s Scamwatch service and bring together experts from government agencies, the private sector, law enforcement, and consumer groups to make Australia a harder target for scammers. Hacktivists are using cyberattacks to further their causes Hacktivism is used to describe a person or group who uses malicious cyber activity to further social or political causes, rather than for financial gain. These malicious cyber actors, which include issue-motivated groups, are typically less capable, less organised, and less resourced than other types of malicious cyber actors. That said, even rudimentary disruptive activity – such as website defacement, hijacking of official social media accounts, leaking information, or DoS – can cause significant harm, reputational damage, and operational impacts to targeted entities. Like cybercriminals, hacktivists may leverage malicious tools and services online to gain new capabilities and improve their ability to degrade or disrupt services for their cause. Case study 9: Australian critical infrastructure targeted by issue-motivated DDoS In March 2023, ASD became aware of reports of issue-motivated groups (hacktivists) targeting Australian organisations. Open source reporting linked the targeting of over 70 organisations to religiously motivated hacktivists. The malicious activity commenced on 18 March with the defacement of, and/or DDoS against, the websites and other internet-facing services of small-to-medium businesses. This progressed to DDoS activity targeting the websites of Australian critical infrastructure entities, with multiple hacktivist groups announcing support for the campaign and publishing ‘target lists’ across a variety of platforms. ASD received several incident reports from organisations experiencing hacktivist activity, including critical infrastructure providers. However, there was no impact on critical infrastructure operations, as only public-facing websites were affected. ASD provided advice and support to organisations, including by identifying IP addresses related to the attacks. ASD also shared indicators of compromise with its Network Partners. In addition to ASD support, critical infrastructure providers worked closely with commercial incident-response providers and their in-house incident-response teams. One critical infrastructure provider identified through open source research that a second DDoS attack was being planned against their servers. To prevent this attack, administrators enabled geo-blocking – where traffic from specific geolocations known to be used by the malicious cyber actor were blocked – to limit malicious traffic. This simple tactic helped the organisation avoid a second attack. As a result, the organisation did not suffer from any additional downtime. ASD urges organisations to report all incidents – even those with minimal impact on operations – to enhance national situational awareness, especially of coordinated malicious activity. Your report to ASD could help prevent or defend against an attack on other Australian networks. Denial-of-service operations are designed to disrupt DoS attacks disrupt or degrade online services such as websites and email, and are another tactic used by cybercriminals and hacktivists. This technique causes access or service disruption to the victim, sometimes to pressure them into payment or to highlight a cause. In these attacks, an online service is overwhelmed by so many illegitimate requests that it loses capacity to serve real users. DoS can also be achieved by hijacking an online service to redirect legitimate users to other services controlled by malicious cyber actors. In some instances, DDoS attacks can use huge numbers of ‘zombie’ computers or bots (hijacked by malware), to direct large volumes of unwanted network traffic to a web service. ASD recorded 79 DoS and DDoS cyber security incidents in 2022–23, with service availability partly or wholly denied for the victim in 62 of those incidents. The remainder of the incidents had no impact on the victim. Entities who maintained situational awareness of DoS threats and proactively implemented mitigations were reportedly less impacted by subsequent DoS. Although entities cannot avoid being targeted, they can implement measures to prepare for and reduce the impact of a DoS attack. This includes using DDoS protection services and exercising incident response and business continuity plans. Defence against cybercrime Both individuals and organisations can take simple steps to help build their cyber security. Many of these steps can often prevent initial access by cybercriminals. All Australians should: enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for online services when available use long unique passphrases for every account if MFA is not available, particularly for services like email and banking (password managers can assist with such activities) turn on automatic updates for all software – do not ignore installation prompts regularly back up important files and device configuration settings be alert for phishing messages and scams sign up for ASD’s free Alert Service report cybercrime to ReportCyber. Australian organisations should also: only use reputable cloud service providers and managed service providers that implement appropriate cyber security measures regularly test cyber security detection, incident response, business continuity and disaster recovery plans review the cyber security posture of remote workers including their use of communication, collaboration and business productivity software train staff on cyber security matters, in particular how to recognise scams and phishing attempts implement relevant guidance from ASD’s Essential Eight Maturity Model, Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents and Information Security Manual join ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program report cybercrime and cyber security incidents to ReportCyber. ASD has published a range of guides at cyber.gov.au to support Australians and Australian organisations in building their cyber resilience, including how to defend against ransomware attacks, and how to detect socially engineered messages, phishing emails and texts. Chapter 5: Cyber enabled data breaches During FY 2022–23, ASD received an increase in data breach reports as millions of Australians had their information compromised through significant data breaches. Malicious cyber actors stole data by using valid account credentials or by exploiting internet-facing applications. Sensitive data should be deleted or de-identified when it is no longer needed or required. Organisational policies and processes should consider how to protect gathered and generated data. Data ubiquity Data is valuable to malicious cyber actors as data and data flows underpin almost every modern technology and digital service. During 2022–23, millions of Australians had their private information compromised through significant data breaches, and some Australians were exposed to multiple breaches. A data breach occurs when information is shared with, or is accessed by, an unauthorised person or third party. Isolation and remediation of the breach could cost millions of dollars. The complete recovery cost is hard to quantify, but could include losses due to productivity, legal action and reputational damage. An entity’s customers or staff could experience harm from a data breach if their private information is used by criminals for cyber or other fraud or scams, including identity theft. Protecting data, particularly sensitive personal information, is vital for the safety of the community, the prosperity of business, and the nation’s security. Explainer 7: Vital data Organisations should consider what data is vital to their operations, and individuals should consider what data might affect their privacy. Data can take many forms such as personal information. Personal information includes a broad range of information, or an opinion, that could identify an individual. It can encompass things such as an individual’s name, date of birth, drivers licence or passport details, phone number, home address, health records, credit information, mobile device location history, and voiceprint and facial recognition details. Other forms of data could include sensitive financial information, corporate emails, intellectual property and research, or strategic business plans. Information associated with network telemetry and endpoint security information, or machine learning models, also generate potentially useful information which can be exploited by malicious cyber actors. Data breach incidents in Australia During 2022–23, many data breaches reported to ASD involved cybercriminals stealing customer personal information from organisations to support extortion activities. Organisations should be aware that a data breach could be a precursor to the destruction or encryption of data. Of the cyber security incidents recorded by ASD during 2022–23, 150 were data breaches, making up around 13 per cent of all incidents. Compared to 2021–22, this is up from 81 data breaches or 7 per cent of all incidents. Data breaches were the third most common incident type in 2022–23, behind compromised infrastructure (15.2 per cent) and compromised credentials (18.8 per cent). Phishing, a tactic whereby a user is induced to open a malicious email attachment or to visit a compromised website, was commonly used to steal credentials. Malicious cyber actors also obtained credentials from unrelated cyberattacks and breaches. ASD’s incident data showed an extensive network compromise almost always occurred when a malicious cyber actor successfully accessed privileged accounts. In 2022–23, ASD responded to a number of data breaches that involved common characteristics and intrusion chains. Broadly, these incidents demonstrated either: opportunistic intrusions involving a malicious actor exploiting a single internet-facing application or service which contained data. Actors typically used a ‘smash and grab’ technique to steal data directly from this single initial access vector complex intrusions involving a malicious actor demonstrating a wider variety of techniques after initial access as they escalated privileges, and moved laterally seeking data to exploit. These intrusions resulted in more extensive network compromise. Generally, incidents where malicious actors successfully compromised privileged accounts also resulted in more complex intrusions and extensive incidents. Diving deeper into data breaches ASD conducted a detailed analysis of data breach incidents between 1 November 2021 and 30 October 2022. Analysis revealed the average amount of data reported to have been exfiltrated during a breach was around 120 gigabytes, with the highest reported amount being around 870 gigabytes. Table 6 outlines the top information types exposed during a breach. Table 6: Types of information stolen in data breaches Note: some incidents included the breach of multiple types of information. Different types of information may carry different risks. For example, health information is likely to be more sensitive than contact information and will require greater protection. Table 6 indicates contact information was breached most frequently, likely because this type of data is widely collected and has increased exposure. During the same analysis period, 41 per cent of data breaches involved malicious cyber actors exploiting valid accounts and credentials to access cloud services, local systems, or entire networks. Malicious cyber actors commonly used brute-force attacks to take advantage of simple and re-used passwords to access accounts, or used phishing to obtain credentials. Around 34 per cent of data breaches involved exploitation of internet-facing applications. Common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) were often exploited, and so was human misconfiguration of devices like unsecured application programming interfaces, or common bugs and flaws in software; for example, insecure direct object references. To help Australian organisations, the ASD has published the Preventing Web Application Access Control Abuse advisory. Figure 5: Anatomy of a data breach To steal data from an organisation, malicious cyber actors will commonly exploit online services and internet-facing devices, or penetrate a network’s perimeter using stolen or easily guessed credentials. Once inside a network, malicious actors will often attempt to escalate their privileges, move laterally across a network to find data to steal and/or other systems to exploit, and then attempt to exfiltrate data back through the network perimeter. Stolen data for nefarious use Different malicious cyber actors have differing motivations for stealing data. For example, cybercriminals may use stolen data, particularly personal information, as a basis for identity theft or to conduct phishing campaigns for financial gain. State actors are also interested in personal information, among other data types, although this is more likely for espionage purposes rather than financial gain. Irrespective of motivation, the impacts of data breaches on victims are actor agnostic – Australians can be exposed to harm and organisations can experience losses. Data stolen by cybercriminals typically ends up on the dark web marketplaces where it can be shared, bought, and sold by other malicious cyber actors. For example, stolen credentials may end up with initial access brokers who specialise in dealing stolen usernames and passwords. Malicious cyber actors can also piece together seemingly innocuous information like an email address, a date of birth, or a phone number to target someone for spear phishing, fraud, or to leverage that person to gain other privileged accesses and information. Once exposed, some data can be used in perpetuity for future crime, particularly in cases of identity theft, blackmail, or extortion. A victim’s real name and home address can be difficult to change, unlike stolen credentials which are easily updated. ASD has also received reports of cyber security incidents in which threat actors claimed to have exfiltrated data; however, subsequent investigations have not identified evidence of exfiltration. While a threat actor’s assertion of data exfiltration may be an attempt to elevate urgency or pressure affected entities, it remains important to thoroughly investigate evidence to support or counter the claim. Case study 10: Operation GUARDIAN On 28 September 2022, the Australian Federal Police’s Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) commenced Operation GUARDIAN to coordinate efforts to protect those at higher risk of financial fraud and identity theft as a result of the Optus data breach. Since the Optus incident, Operation GUARDIAN has expanded to include the Medibank, MyDeal, Latitude, and the Go-Anywhere data breaches. Some breaches have resulted in the exposure of personal information and sensitive data of Australians. The purpose of Operation GUARDIAN is to monitor, disrupt and prosecute any person misusing personal information exposed as a result of data breaches. It aims to deter criminals from using data for malicious purposes and to educate the public. Operation GUARDIAN works with the public and private sectors to search the internet and known criminal online sites to identify exposed personal information and those who are attempting to buy or sell it. Case study 11: Awareness and impact of data breaches in the Australian community According to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey (ACAPS) 2023, three-quarters (74 per cent) of Australians believe that data breaches are one of the biggest privacy risks they face today, and a quarter (27 per cent) said it is the single biggest risk to privacy in 2023. Almost half (47 per cent) of Australians said they had been told by an organisation that their information was involved in a data breach in the prior year, and a similar proportion (51 per cent) know someone who was affected by a breach. Three-quarters (76 per cent) of those whose data was involved in a breach said they experienced harm as a result. More than half (52 per cent) reported an increase in scams or spam texts or emails. There were 3 in 10 (29 per cent) who said they had to replace key identity documents, such as drivers licences or passports. Around 1 in 10 experienced significant issues such as emotional or psychological harm (12 per cent), financial or credit fraud (11 per cent) or identity theft (10 per cent). Nearly half (47 per cent) of Australians said they would close their account or stop using a product or service provided by an organisation that experienced a data breach. However, most Australians are willing to remain with a breached organisation provided that organisation promptly takes action, such as quickly putting steps in place to prevent customers experiencing further harm from the breach (62 per cent) and making improvements to their security practices (61 per cent). Only 12 per cent of Australians said there is nothing an organisation could do that would influence them to stay after a data breach. There are a range of ways organisations can protect personal information. A quarter (26 per cent) of Australians believe the most important step is for organisations to collect only the information necessary to provide the product or service. Australians view the second most important thing organisations can do is take proactive steps to protect the information they hold (24 per cent). The OAIC commissioned Lonergan Research to undertake ACAPS 2023. The survey was conducted in March 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,916 unique respondents aged 18 and older. To read the full report visit oaic.gov.au/acaps. Mitigating data breaches Implementing ASD’s Essential Eight, and the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top Ten Proactive Controls will help protect data by minimising the risks to systems and networks, online services and internet-facing devices. At least fortnightly, organisations should use an automated method to scan for security vulnerabilities and apply timely patches or mitigations to minimise risks. Other effective controls to help mitigate data breaches include: deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) to mitigate stolen credential abuse enforce strong passphrase policy to secure accounts block internet-facing services that are not authorised to be internet-facing immediately decommission unnecessary systems and services configure server applications to run as a separate account with the minimum privileges to mitigate account abuse mandate user training to recognise phishing or social engineering attempts. Encryption can further protect data that is stored or in transit between systems. For example, sensitive data about former customers that must be legally retained should be encrypted and stored offline, inaccessible to the internet. Data communicated between database servers and web servers, especially over the internet, are susceptible to compromise and should be encrypted. Further guidance about how organisations can protect data is contained within ASD’s Information Security Manual. The most cyber resilient organisations have a well-thought-out and exercised cyber incident response plan that includes a data breach response plan or playbook. A robust plan will help organisations respond to a data breach, rapidly notify relevant organisations and individuals to minimise the risk of harm, restore business operations, comply with relevant obligations, and reduce the costs and potential reputational damage that may result from a breach. Organisations should include a strategy for communicating with customers in their cyber incident response plan, and consider how to protect customers from, and assist with, the consequences of a breach. For example, organisations can inform their customers whether or not hyperlinks will be used in their communications after a breach – or at all – to help them avoid falling prey to phishing attempts. ASD has published guidance on cyber.gov.au, like the Guidelines for Database Systems to help organisations enhance database security. Chapter 6: Cyber resilience Cyber resilience is helping to ensure an entity is resistant to cyber threats. For enterprise, this includes organisation-wide cyber risk management and consideration of third-party risks, such as vendors, service providers, and new technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) has great benefits to organisations but also poses security challenges; a risk-based approach to using AI within ICT environments as per other services is recommended. Invest in prevention, response and recovery to reduce the impact of a compromise and build the resilience of Australian systems. Practice good cyber hygiene at work and at home. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), use unique passphrases, enable automatic updates, regularly back up important data, and report suspicious cyber activity. Cooperation on a national scale is one of Australia’s greatest advantages against malicious cyber activities. Keep up to date at cyber.gov.au, and engage with ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program to help build the nation’s collective cyber resilience. Digital supply chains increase the attack surface Most entities have some component of their ICT outsourced to a third party, such as hardware supply, web and data hosting, and software-as-a-service or other enterprise resource planning tools. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Characteristics of Australian Business data, during 2021–22, around 85 per cent of Australian businesses used ICT, and 59 per cent used cloud technology. These measures have been trending up year-on-year. During 2022–23, ASD published a number of alerts warning Australians about vulnerabilities relating to products commonly found in ICT supply chains, like Citrix Gateway and Application Delivery Controller devices. During March 2023, ASD published an alert describing a supply chain compromise affecting multiple versions of the 3CX DesktopApp – a popular voice-over-IP application. While an entity can outsource ICT functions to access specialist skills, increase efficiency, and lower costs, it must still manage and be accountable for cyber security risk. ICT supply chain expansion can increase the attack surface, particularly as there may be varying levels of cyber security maturity among both customers and suppliers. A malicious cyber actor can compromise numerous victims at scale by targeting a single upstream or third‑party supplier. An ICT supply chain attack comprises 2 attacks: an initial attack on a supplier, and a subsequent attack on its customers. For example, a managed service provider (MSP) might have privileged network access to hundreds of customers or hold huge amounts of sensitive data. After compromising an MSP, a malicious cyber actor could then exploit the MSP’s privileged network accesses, or steal sensitive data to extort its customers directly. This highlights that, while an entity might have leading-edge cyber defences, its security posture will only be as strong as its weakest link, which may be in its ICT supply chain. To conduct an ICT supply chain attack, malicious cyber actors will commonly abuse misconfigurations in devices and the trust between supplier services and customer networks, conduct phishing attacks, and exploit common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). Figure 6 outlines some of the common adversary goals and techniques associated with ICT supply chain attacks. Defeating ICT supply chain threats requires effort from both customers and suppliers. The most effective measures combine both business and technical controls conducted at the earliest stage of ICT procurement or development. While a downstream customer may have no influence over their supplier’s security posture, they can improve their own cyber security to help mitigate risks. Suppliers should prioritise the secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles to improve their own product security and therefore their customers’ security. Customers should clearly state cyber security expectations upfront as part of any contract, such as requiring that a supplier meet particular cyber security standards. Entities should appraise their suppliers of their risk tolerances, and might want to ask how the supplier will demonstrate good security practices, justify their product’s accesses and privileges, and guarantee genuine product delivery. Entities should also consider whether their supplier may be subject to foreign control or interference. Figure 6: ICT supply chain threats Australian organisations face many cyber threats, including from the ICT supply chain. Malicious cyber actors who target upstream suppliers, such as by compromising a cloud host, may be able to impact downstream customers by exploiting the trust between that supplier and its customers. An attacker could then conduct data theft and extortion activities, or other attacks like denial-of-service. An organisation’s cyber security posture is only as strong as its weakest link, which could be an entity in its ICT supply chain. Mitigating ICT supply chain threats Organisations can boost their ICT supply chain defences in many ways, including by implementing ASD’s Essential Eight. The most effective technical controls to mitigate risks combine both mitigation and detection techniques, and are supported by a positive organisation-wide cyber secure culture. Some controls for both customers and suppliers include: deploy MFA to mitigate stolen credential abuse regularly scan for vulnerabilities and update software to minimise risks from vulnerabilities segment networks and enforce account management to isolate critical systems correctly configure software to minimise security risks use network and endpoint detection systems to identify malicious traffic and files monitor logon and network logs to detect unusual activity mandate user training to recognise phishing or social engineering attempts. To help Australian organisations, ASD has published guidance, available at cyber.gov.au such as Identifying Cyber Supply Chain Risks, Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management, Guidelines for Procurement and Outsourcing, and Shifting the Balance of Cybersecurity Risk: Principles and Approaches for Security-by-Design and Default. Secure-by-design and secure-by-default products Secure-by-design products are those where the security of the customer is a core business goal, not just a technical feature, and start with that goal in mind before development. Secure-by-default products require little to no configuration changes out of the box to ensure security features are enabled. Together, these approaches move much of the burden of staying secure to the manufacturers, which reduces the chances that customers will fall victim to security incidents resulting from misconfigurations, insufficiently fast patching, or many other common issues at the user end. Entities are encouraged to prioritise secure-by-design and secure-by-default products in procurement processes, and collaborate with industry peers and manufacturers to help improve upcoming security initiatives in products. Shifting the Balance of Cybersecurity Risk: Principles and Approaches for Security-by-Design and Default, offers further advice to software manufacturers and customers. Artificial intelligence cyber security challenges In early 2023, AI tools were among the fastest growing consumer applications globally. Broadly, AI is a collection of methods and tools that enable machines to perform tasks that would ordinarily require human intelligence. AI tools are increasingly being used to augment human activities like sorting large data sets, automating routine tasks, and assisting visual design work. Machine learning (ML) is a sub-discipline of AI encompassing models that use feedback mechanisms to update model behaviour. ML models are typically used to make classifications and predictions, and to uncover patterns or insights in large data sets that may be impossible for a human to spot. Over the last 3 years, the practical applications for AI have expanded, the costs have come down, and AI tools are more accessible than ever. Australians already interact frequently with AI, as AI drives internet searching, shopping recommendations, satellite navigation, and can aid complex activities like logistics management, medical diagnosis, and cyber security. AI tools can be used to provide human-like customer responses for help desks or call centres, and can help predict upcoming maintenance for industrial equipment. While AI has benefited the economy and society, it has also created new challenges and data security risks. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business environments and ICT infrastructures, additional and potentially unforeseen risks could be introduced. And, like any tool, AI can be misused either inadvertently or deliberately. In 2022, a medical research collaboration for a pharmaceutical company trained an AI model using ML techniques to catalogue thousands of molecules for therapeutic use while discarding toxic molecules. While the researchers were able to catalogue many beneficial molecules, the researchers also wanted to know how AI could be misused. So they changed the AI model to find toxic rather than safe molecules. Using open source data, their AI model generated over 40,000 potentially lethal molecules in less than 6 hours. Security researchers have also shown how data sets used for ML can be attacked and ‘poisoned’ with anomalous data to produce misleading outputs. In 2016, Microsoft abruptly ended testing of a chatbot after a subset of its users deliberately provided data containing misinformation and abusive material, resulting in offensive text being produced by the chatbot. Malicious cyber actors could also use AI tools to augment their activities. For example, a cybercriminal may be able to produce low effort, high quality material for phishing attacks. AI could also be used to create fraudulent deepfake content like voice and video clips, or to create malware. Security researchers have demonstrated with existing technologies that malicious actors could use AI to help orchestrate cyber intrusions. AI tools may also challenge the protection of sensitive information. For example, AI tools that produce or summarise text may not guarantee data privacy if it is fed sensitive or proprietary information. Additionally, using sensitive information for AI models and ML may contravene privacy laws, policies, or rules in some instances. As online adversaries can use AI tools, so too can system defenders. AI can sort through large volumes of logs or telemetry data to look for malicious behaviour, identify malware, detect and block exploitation attempts, or derive intelligence insights. AI can also help triage information and automate security tasks, so humans can focus on other problems. Entities wanting to adopt AI tools should treat them with the same care as any other ICT service, use a risk-based approach to procurement, and consider: if the AI tool is secure-by-design and secure-by-default, including its ICT supply chain if there are inaccuracies in the AI tool’s model or bias in its algorithms how the AI tool will be protected from misuse and interference (including foreign) how the AI tool will affect the entity’s privacy and data protection obligations how the AI tool will support, rather than outsource, human decision-making who is accountable for oversight or if something goes wrong with the AI tool. Explainer 8: Ethical AI at ASD In early 2023, ASD published the Ethical AI in ASD statement, which outlines ASD’s framework of ethical principles governing AI usage. This includes: lawful and appropriate use of AI consistent with the legislation, policies, processes and frameworks that govern ASD’s functions and protect the privacy of Australian citizens enabling human decision-making, allowing our workforce and customers to make informed decisions based on AI system outputs, and to maintain trust in AI systems reliable and secure AI, ensuring that technologies continue to meet their intended purpose and remain protected from external interference accurate and fair AI mitigating against unintended bias accountable, transparent and explainable AI allowing human oversight and control, with clear accountabilities enacted for all stages of the AI development lifecycle, facilitating appropriate and proportionate operations. Ensuring remote work cyber security Many organisations rapidly adopted new remote work solutions to support business continuity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Australian companies advertising remote work post-pandemic continues to grow, and it is clear that remote work will be an ongoing feature of many organisations and an expectation of many employees. Some hastily implemented remote working solutions may not have fully considered cyber security implications. For example, bring-your-own-device policies are popular with organisations, but could introduce additional information management risks to corporate networks if not appropriately managed. During 2022–23, ASD recorded extensive corporate network breaches that stemmed from employees conducting work from compromised personal devices. In 2022, US company LastPass suffered a data breach due to credentials being stolen via keylogger malware installed on the home computer of one of its employees. Remote work often relies on employees using their own devices like home computers and internet routers, which usually have limited security features and less secure default settings when compared to enterprise products used in corporate environments. Internal corporate networks could be exposed to the internet directly via a remote employee’s home router, if that home router is misconfigured. Adding to the risks, employees may not regularly update their personal devices or use anti malware software, may access dubious websites or use illegal software, or may have failed to change the default credentials of their devices. Malicious cyber actors are known to compromise common small-home-office products and internet-of-things devices to steal sensitive information, target corporate networks, or to enslave them into botnets for distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Organisations should consider how cyber security mitigations for remote solutions are implemented, maintained, and audited. Organisations should also verify that policies are in place to ensure staff know how to securely use systems, and to ensure compliance with legal obligations like the protection of sensitive data. ASD has published a number of guides at cyber.gov.au including Guidelines for Enterprise Mobility, Remote Working and Secure Mobility and Risk Management of Enterprise Mobility (including Bring Your Own Device). Explainer 9: Working from home and cybercrime The Australian Institute of Criminology’s Cybercrime in Australia 2023 report examined whether working from home was a risk factor for cybercrime victimisation. Small-to-medium business owners who transitioned to working from home due to public health measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were 1.4 times as likely to be a victim of identity crime and misuse, 1.2 times as likely to be a victim of malware attacks and 1.3 times as likely to be a victim of fraud and scams. There are various reasons that moving to remote working may have increased the likelihood of cybercrime victims. For a business working remotely, home internet connections may be less secure, devices may no longer be protected by corporate security controls or routine maintenance, and there may be a tendency to store or share sensitive work information on unsecure personal devices. Cyber security through partnerships The speed with which cyber threats spread and evolve means that no single entity can effectively defend against all threats in isolation. Cooperation on a national scale is one of Australia’s greatest advantages against malicious cyber activity. It is vital cyber security incidents are reported to ASD to help build a national cyber threat intelligence picture, which better supports Australian organisations and individuals through informed guidance and mitigation advice. There are many other ways in which Australian organisations can engage with ASD. ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program enables Australian entities to engage with ASD and fellow partners, drawing on collective understanding, experience, skills and capability to lift cyber resilience across the Australian economy. ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program is delivered through ASD’s state offices located around Australia. An ASD Network Partnership is available to organisations with responsibility for the security of a network or networks (either their own or on behalf of customers) as well as academic, research and not-for-profit institutions with an active interest and expertise in cyber security. An ASD Business Partnership is available to those with a valid Australian Business Number. Individuals and families can sign up to the ASD Home Partner Program. By strengthening our ties with agencies like ASD and broader cyber security partners within the transport and logistics sector, the Toll Group is proud to contribute to building resilient supply chain capability in Australia and around the world. ASD’s partnership, training, and participation in industry forums have been of tremendous value in promoting strong cyber security practices and cooperation across government and critical services, which our teams continue to benefit from. – Toll Group The National Exercise Program (NEP) helps critical infrastructure and government organisations validate and strengthen Australia’s nationwide cyber security arrangements. The program uses exercises and other readiness activities that target strategic decision-making, operational and technical capabilities, strategic engagement and communications. The Critical Infrastructure Uplift Program (CI-UP) assists Australian critical infrastructure organisations to improve their resilience against cyberattacks, with a focus on critical infrastructure assets and operational technology environments. As an intelligence-driven program, CI-UP focuses on improving the cyber security of critical infrastructure in a range of areas, including: enhancing visibility of malicious cyber activity and awareness of vulnerabilities enhancing the ability to contain and respond to an incident furthering culture and cyber maturity. The Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing Platform (CTIS) shares indicators-of-compromise in real‑time, within a growing community of Australian government and industry partners. CTIS also supports community partners to share their threat intelligence. Co-designed with industry, CTIS alerts security operations centre analysts to threats targeting Australian organisations. AARNet has been engaged with the CTIS project from its inception and has seen firsthand the value of industry and government partnerships for threat intelligence sharing. By sharing information, the breadth and depth of our visibility of unwanted cyber attention is much greater. – AARnet The Australian Protective Domain Name System (AUPDNS) is an opt-in security service available to all federal, state and territory government entities to protect infrastructure from known malicious activity. Information from AUPDNS directly assists ASD’s mission to build a national cyber threat picture, which in turn is shared with ASD partners, including individuals, businesses, academia, not-for-profits, and government entities. The Cyber Hygiene Improvement Programs (CHIPs) track and monitor the cyber security posture of the internet-facing assets of entities at all levels of government. CHIPs also conducts High-priority Operational Tasking (HOT) CHIPs scans when potential cyber threats emerge, such as newly disclosed vulnerabilities. CHIPs builds visibility of security vulnerabilities across governments and provides notifications to system owners. Figure 7: ASD’s program highlights Through ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Program, Australian organisations can draw on the collective understanding, experience and capability of the community to lift Australia’s cyber resilience. ASD Network Partners bring their insights and technical expertise to the community to collaborate on shared threats and opportunities. Explainer 10: Incident response to stay ahead of adversaries There is an actor behind every cyber security incident, and each actor will have different intent and capability. For example, state actors are usually focused on long-term goals in opposition to Australia’s national interests, whereas cybercriminals are generally focused on short-term financial gain. Additionally, the techniques different actors use will vary due to their risk appetites for being detected. For example, cybercriminal actions are often ‘loud and public’, as opposed to state actors whose intent is to usually remain undetected for long periods. Customising the incident response method ensures the best outcome for impacted organisations. For example, during a cyber security incident, ASD can provide immediate incident response advice and assistance to support impacted Australian organisations. ASD can also work closely with commercial incident response partners in support of an incident. If the incident is likely the result of a state actor, ASD may offer a more detailed approach such as a comprehensive digital forensic technical investigation to ensure comprehensive remediation. Public communications on an incident may also differ. An immediate public statement may be required in some incidents. However, there is a need to balance public statements with remediation efforts – particularly when a state actor may be involved. If a state actor is responsible, a public statement could cause the actor to ‘lay low’, impacting a defender’s ability to detect the actor – including tradecraft or accesses that may help them to remain on an organisation’s network. ASD’s tailored approach to incident response is consistent with industry best-practice, and highlights the importance of public–private partnerships to stay ahead of Australia’s cyber adversaries. ASD’s ACSC Incident Response Our role ASD’s incident management capabilities provide tailored incident response advice and guidance to Australians impacted by a cyber security incident. ASD is not a law enforcement agency or regulator; however we work closely with these agencies if needed. Report a cybercrime or cyber security incident Report at cyber.gov.au/report or call the 24/7 Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371). Cybercrime Cybercrime reports are automatically referred directly to the relevant state or territory law enforcement agency. Cyber security incidents All cyber security incidents should be reported to ReportCyber. An incident does not have to be a confirmed compromise to be reported and could include: denial-of-service (DoS) scanning and reconnaissance unauthorised access to network or device data exposure, theft or leak malicious code/malware ransomware phishing/spear phishing any other irregular cyber activity that causes concern. For ASD to help you effectively, we may request: indicators of compromise logs memory dumps disk information network traffic captures. How ASD can help ASD will provide you with immediate advice and assistance such as: tailored information on how to contain and remediate an incident advisory products to assist you with your incident response linking you with other Australian Government entities that may further support your response such as the Australian Federal Police, or Department of Home Affairs through the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Cyber Security Response Coordination Unit we may also link you to other government partners like IDCare, ScamWatch, or the e-Safety Commissioner. How your reporting matters ASD uses information from your report to build our understanding of the cyber threat environment. This understanding assists with the development of new and updated advice, capabilities, techniques and products to better prevent and respond to evolving cyber threats. Some of these products include: advisories published on ASD’s Partnership Portal alerts published on cyber.gov.au quarterly Trends and Insights reports the ASD's Cyber Threat Report. Your confidentiality is paramount ASD does not share any information provided by you without your express consent. Only information about the incident is captured when you report. Figure 8: ASD’s support to Australians During 2022–23, ASD monitored cyber threats across the globe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to alert Australians to cyber threats, provide advice, and assist with incident response. ASD’s ACSC is a hub for private and public sector collaboration and information-sharing on cyber security, to prevent and combat threats and minimise harm to Australians. ASD’s advice and assistance is for the whole economy, including critical infrastructure and systems of national significance, federal, state and local governments, small and medium businesses, academia, not-for-profit organisations and the Australian community. Cyber resilience for all Australians The average Australian household has well over a dozen internet-connected devices and this number is growing. The explosion of remote and hybrid work has also seen corporate networks extend into Australian homes. While growing digitisation and virtualisation of services may have improved consumer convenience and boosted business productivity over the last 3 years, it has also increased the cyber risks for Australians. Every Australian should practice basic cyber security hygiene to help protect themselves from online threats. The most effective cyber defences are also some of the easiest to use and fastest to setup. The top things Australians can do are: enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for online services when available use long unique passphrases for every account if MFA is not available, particularly for services like email and banking (password managers can assist with such activities) turn on automatic updates for all software – do not ignore installation prompts regularly back up important files and device configuration settings be alert for phishing messages and scams sign up for ASD’s free Alert Service report cybercrime to ReportCyber. At cyber.gov.au, ASD has published a range of simple how-to guides for all Australians, including children and seniors, that explain how individuals and families can improve their home cyber security. Australians are encouraged to report cyber security incidents and cybercrime to ReportCyber, or by calling the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371). The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Act Now, Stay Secure ASD provides tailored cyber security guidance to protect Australia against evolving cyber threats. The Act Now, Stay Secure cyber security awareness-raising campaign identified key cyber threats to individuals and small-to-medium businesses, and highlighted ASD advice and tools to help improve the audience’s cyber security posture. Over 2022–23, the campaign: reached a potential audience of more than 490,000 Australians and achieved over 11,500 engagements, such as likes, shares, and comments through social media was amplified by 170 stakeholders across government, industry, non-profit sectors, and peak body associations, who shared campaign content to their channels attracted over 30,000 visitors to the cyber.gov.au website, resulting in nearly 73,000 page views of campaign content and cyber security guidance bolstered content delivered at 15 tailored events by ASD state offices. Monthly cyber security themes were developed to promote planned or new ASD guidance, tools and products to enhance the cyber posture of Australian individuals and small-to-medium businesses. The themes for 2022–23 were: REDSPICE REDSPICE is the most significant single investment in ASD’s history and will equip ASD to ensure that Australia is best prepared to respond to the strategic environment. Commencing on 1 July 2022, ASD scaled existing services and introduced new intelligence and cyber capabilities to enhance Australia’s cyber defences. To help achieve this, in FY 2022–23, ASD opened new facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne, and received over 26,000 job applications across Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. ASD also: undertook innovative first-of-type ‘cyber hunt’ activities on the most critical government and critical infrastructure networks engaged over 175 new customers onto the Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing platform to improve machine-speed cyber threat intelligence sharing across government and industry deployed over 25,000 new host-based sensors to customer networks to build increased visibility of emerging threats to Australia’s most critical systems established a secure design and architecture team to provide advice to major government information and communications technology projects expanded ASD’s national incident response footprint and 24/7 defence operations capability, including additional upgrades for the Australian Cyber Security Hotline (1300 CYBER 1) and ReportCyber, and a new incident response team in Melbourne improved the resilience of critical infrastructure through a number of uplift activities to increase cyber security maturity across Australian industry. About the contributors Australian Federal Police The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is responsible for enforcing Commonwealth criminal law; contributing to combating complex transnational, serious, and organised crime impacting Australia’s national security; and protecting Commonwealth interests from criminal activity in Australia and overseas. The AFP’s cybercrime teams within the ACSC enable the AFP to collaborate with other ACSC partners, triage new referrals, undertake targeted intelligence development and coordinate law enforcement responses to cybercrimes of national significance. The AFP also leads the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre to harness the powers, experiences and investigative capabilities of Australian policing jurisdictions. Australian Institute of Criminology The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) is Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC informs crime and justice policy and practice in Australia by undertaking, funding and disseminating policy-relevant research of national significance. Australian Prudential Regulation Authority The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is an independent statutory authority that supervises institutions across banking, insurance and superannuation, and is accountable to the Australian Parliament. APRA is concerned with maintaining the safety and soundness of its regulated financial institutions and promoting overall financial system stability. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is Australia’s security intelligence service. It protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security, including terrorism, espionage, and interference in Australia’s affairs by foreign governments. ASIO’s cyber program is focused on investigating and assessing the threat to Australia from malicious state-sponsored cyber activity. ASIO’s contribution to the ACSC includes intelligence collection, investigations and intelligence-led outreach to business and government partners. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) promotes and protects Australia’s international interests to support our security and prosperity. DFAT leads Australia’s international engagement on cyber and critical technology across the Australian Government. This work is coordinated by Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology. DFAT is leading on the international elements of the new 2023–2030 Cyber Security Strategy, the development of which is being coordinated by the Department of Home Affairs. Defence Intelligence Organisation The Defence Intelligence Organisation coleads the ACSC’s Cyber Threat Assessment team in partnership with ASD to provide the Australian Government with an all-source, strategic, cyber threat intelligence assessment capability. Department of Home Affairs The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for central coordination, and strategy and policy leadership of cyber and critical infrastructure resilience and security, immigration, border security, national security and resilience, counter-terrorism, and citizenship. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) regulates Australian Government agencies, organisations with an annual turnover of more than $3 million and some other organisations’ compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and other laws when handling personal information. The OAIC receives data breach notifications under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme and publishes regular statistical information to help organisations and the public understand and address privacy risks identified through the scheme. The National Anti-Scam Centre The National Anti-Scam Centre was launched on 1 July 2023 and will build its information‑sharing capabilities over the next 3 years. We bring together experts from government and the private sector to tackle harmful scams. Together, we are making it harder for scammers to take money and information from Australians. The National Cyber Security Coordinator The National Cyber Security Coordinator leads on cyber security policy, coordination of responses to major cyber incidents, whole of Government cyber incident preparedness and strengthening of Commonwealth cyber security capability. The Coordinator is supported by the National Office of Cyber Security, which is housed within the Department of Home Affairs.

Need pc repair services? Mobile computer technician near you Computer repairs Data Recovery Computer Virus Removal Network Computer Repairs Cyber Security Experts Computer services Replace new Computer with Old Laptop repairs … or anything else Find a professional computer repair service near you Why book computer repairs near you through Nerdcore? Got computer problems? Tried turning it off and on again but it still won’t work? You need to find a computer repair service near you. An experienced and professional computer technician will help you with troubleshooting, computer repairs, parts replacement, and even training so you can confidently handle the tech yourself. That way, your computer will be up and running again in no time so you can get back to work (or watching cat videos online). The best place to find affordable computer repair prices and a computer repairman (or woman) near you is Nerdcore Computers. No matter how small or serious your computer problem, you’ll find a techy who can help. Find a professional computer repair service near you Quick offers Within minutes, you’ll get quotes from experienced computer technicians who are near you and able to help. Choose your budget Hire affordable computer technicians near you. Just set a budget for your task and choose an offer that fits. Get the best computer technicians out there Get the best available computer repairs near you. Thanks to our transparent rating and review system. Stay insured Computer repair services booked through Nerdcore Computers are covered by our insurance policy, so you can book with confidence. Top Computer Repairs related questions

Australia’s Cyber Security Coordinator says the Australian government is working with seaport terminal operator DP World Australia to resolve what he calls a serious and ongoing “nationally significant cyber incident.” Air Marshal Darren Goldie released a statement on November 12, 2023, two days after unidentified hackers breached DP World Australia’s cyber defences. The state-owned Dubai-based multinational stevedoring company handles around 10% of the world’s container traffic and 40% of Australia’s container traffic, including those passing through Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle ports. DP World Australia cut off internet access on November 10 in a bid to thwart the attack. In the process, it shut down its Australian port operations and halted the movement of a reported 30,000 containers. While DP World Australia has not yet disclosed the nature of the attack or what data was stolen, it is known that the breach affected systems that managed the transfer of containers between ships and trucks. Some limited operations were beginning to occur on November 12. “DP World Australia appreciates this development may cause concern for some stakeholders,” said the company on the weekend. “DP World Australia is working hard to assess whether any personal information has been impacted and has taken proactive steps to engage the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Currently, DP World Australia teams are testing key systems crucial for the resumption of normal operations and regular freight movement.” The Australian government rapidly ramped up its involvement, holding a crisis meeting on Saturday to coordinate a response. Further meetings between the stevedoring business, law enforcement officials, and government agencies continued over the weekend. “The government is receiving regular briefings and is working with DP World Australia to understand the impacts of this incident and enable engagement across government,” said Cyber Security Minister Clare O’Neil. The minister added that Air Marshal Goldie is leading the government’s response. On Sunday afternoon, Goldie said DP World Australia’s operations remained offline. DP World Australia confirmed they had not received a ransom demand. “While I understand there is interest in determining who may be responsible for the cyber incident, our primary focus at this time remains on resolving the incident and supporting DP World to restore their operations,” he said, adding that the latest advice from the company is that operational disruptions may continue for several more days. The cyberattack threatens to upset further already strained supply chains in the lead-up to the Christmas holidays. DP World Australia says it is working to retrieve any sensitive inbound freight. The attack is the latest in a line of port terminal operator breaches in the past several months, including the July LockBit ransomware attack on the Port of Nagoya and the September DDoS attacks on the Dutch ports of Amsterdam and Groningen. “Today (Sunday), I co-chaired a meeting of the National Coordination Mechanism, together with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to consider and address impacts arising from the cyber incident,” said Goldie “The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is engaged with DP World Australia and is providing technical advice and assistance. The Australian Federal Police has commenced investigations into the incident.” The Australian government recently released a review into critical infrastructure security risks, including cybersecurity risks. On the weekend, answering questions on the DP World Australia breach, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the government had a “huge focus” on cybersecurity. “Incidents like this just highlight how dependent we are upon the cyber realm,” he said. “ ENJOY SOME OF OUR OTHER CYBER SECURITY CHANNELS Cyber Security Experts - Australian Cyber Security TV Media Channel Author Nerdcore Computers 11/16/2023

A Cyber attack hack strands 30,000 shipping containers DP World hack strands 30,000 shipping containers Dp Cyber attack is damaging to Australia Security Reputation Tens of thousands of shipping containers stuffed with consumer goods like electronics, clothing and food remained trapped at ports around the country on Sunday after stevedore DP World Australia was struck by a cyberattack on Friday. The Middle Eastern-owned stevedore, which operates terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and handles about 40 per cent of the goods coming in and out of Australia was forced to shut down technology systems at 10am on Friday. The shutdown prevented some 30,000 containers of goods from moving in or out of its terminals, including refrigerated containers that can hold anything from lobsters and wagyu beef to blood plasma. While ships could still offload and pick up containers, the technology systems that allow trucks to share data with the stevedore were turned off, meaning trucks could not get into DP World’s terminals to collect or drop off containers. Containers piled up on docks over the weekend, using up about 90 per cent of the stevedore’s storage space. The Danish boss of DP World’s Oceania business, Nicolaj Noes – who has only been running the stevedore for three months after a long career with Danish shipping firm Maersk and its subsidiary Svitzer – told The Australian Financial Review it was difficult to put a financial value on the 30,000 containers. “You can have a container of blood plasma that’s worth a million dollars, and then you’re going to have some used clothing for export worth $800,” Mr Noes said. “Frankly, we don’t know,” he said. He added the company had acted as if it was covered by the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act even though it was unsure whether it was required to comply, and contacted all relevant agencies around noon on Friday. The Australian Federal Police and Australian Cybersecurity Centre are both investigating the hack. The government has been told by DP World that it has “a limited ability” to get certain sensitive or time-critical cargo off ships and out of the port if necessary, Mr Goldie said. “At the moment, it’s a case of working out what their timelines are for them to restore their port operations to full capacity rather than starting to complicate matters by looking at individual consignments.” Christmas stock unaffected Paul Zahra, chief executive of the Australian Retailers Association, said the attack and ongoing industrial action at DP World underscored the sensitivities of supply chains and the need for urgent investment in supply chain resilience. “We understand most retailers already have their Christmas stock holdings in country, but retail is a 52-week a year operation and so any significant disruption to port operations is potentially harmful,” Mr Zahra said. Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey said the disruption would hurt the company’s ability to import goods “across the board” but was unlikely to have a significant impact. “If it lasts for a few days, it probably won’t have an impact at all,” he said. “Normally these things resolve themselves quite quickly.” Department stores and supermarkets said they had already received most of their Christmas stock. Woolworths’ shoppers, who encountered bare shelves during the COVID-19 pandemic, are not expected to see similar shortages because only a portion of the supermarket chain’s stock is handled by DP World and Christmas products have already arrived in Australia. “We’re monitoring the situation, however we don’t anticipate any immediate impacts at this time,” a Woolworths spokeswoman said. Senator James Paterson said that if the cyber incident was not resolved quickly, there could be serious consequences for the economy. “Whoever is behind this attack, this is another test of the resilience of our critical infrastructure and whether we have sufficient redundancies in place,” he said. Jim Wilson, policy advisor at Shipping Australia, which represents shipping liners, said some ships had been omitting port calls at DP World in recent months due to industrial action and that he expected other stevedores like Patrick to handle DP World’s containers temporarily. “Typically, if one set of terminals is disrupted they subcontract to the other,” Mr Wilson said. “The really big disruption tends to happen when the second set of the terminals runs out of capacity, that’s when you get massive land-side disruption.” Shipping liners were flexible and could slow down or sail to alternative ports to avoid stopping at DP World’s terminals, but the incident showed the need for Australia to get on and build more container ports, he added. Call to waive penalties Neil Chambers, director of Container Transport Alliance Australia, said importers and exporters wanted to know if foreign container shipping lines would waive their penalty fees for the late return of empty import containers, or the detention fees that they can charge to exporters if containers are held for too long before being loaded onto vessels. “There are import containers in DP World terminals that have been there over a week because of the difficulties in accessing them due to the protected industrial actions by the MUA,” Mr Chambers said. “Now it will be further days – perhaps weeks – before those containers can be picked up.” Few foreign shipping lines gave blanket exemptions from container detention fees during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Chambers said. Transport operators had been told that Sunday’s slots had been cancelled, but were in limbo over whether trucking companies could collect and drop off containers on Monday or Tuesday. They received messages from DP World Australia terminals on Sunday afternoon that the stevedore was hopeful of re-opening some terminals for container collection on Sunday evening but estimated times kept getting pushed back, Mr Chambers said. Trucking companies expect DP World to concentrate on clearing imported containers before accepting more containers for export. Freight and Trade Alliance director Paul Zalai said the cyber incident highlighted the need for more regulation. “The Productivity Commission completed its review on Australia’s maritime logistics system in December 2022 and we are still awaiting a response,” Mr Zalai said. “We can’t understand why the federal government is sitting back at a time when cascading costs are flowing down the supply chain fuelling inflationary pressures.” Stevedores have been raising fees they charge trucking groups to bring containers in and out of ports, with DP World increasing fees on containers exported from Melbourne by 52 per cent to $175.70 per container from January. NSW Ports, which operates Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Melbourne, said they were trying to assist DP World Australia restore operations. DP World hack strands 30,000 shipping containers DP World handles some 2 million container lifts annually, a smidgen less than the 2.1 million handled by rival Patrick according to the competition watchdog’s most recent annual container ports monitoring report released in December 2022. Other stevedores operating in Australia, including Victoria International Container Terminal and Hutchison Port Holdings, handle 500,000 container lifts or less annually. This will take weeks to recover from the owner of Dp world. They should of known before it ever happened. Author Nerdcore Computers

MGM Cyber Attack: Cybersecurity Lessons Learned for Businesses In early September, MGM Resorts International faced a severe cyberattack that left its operations in disarray for days. The incident shed light on the vulnerabilities that even large corporations can face in the digital age and served as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Let’s delve into the details of the MGM cyber attack and explore what businesses, both large and small, can learn from it to better protect their digital assets. The Cyber Attack Explained On September 5, 2023, MGM Resorts International found itself reeling from a crippling cyber attack that disrupted its operations, primarily affecting its Las Vegas hotels. The attack, which targeted the company’s computer systems, forced MGM to shut down its booking and reservation systems, leaving guests stranded and causing widespread chaos. MGM Cyber Attack: Cybersecurity Lessons Learned for Businesses It is believed that the attack was attributed to the Scattered Spider, and they used ransomware made by ALPHV, or BlackCat. This group carried out the attack for five days, which is estimated to have cost MGM up to $80 million in revenue. Social engineering played a significant role in what happened with MGM Resorts. The threat actors likely used deceptive tactics to manipulate individuals within the organization, such as employees or third-party vendors, into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. This manipulation could have facilitated initial access to MGM’s systems, allowing the ransomware group to infiltrate and encrypt critical data. This incident underscores the evolving and sophisticated nature of cyber threats faced by organizations today, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive security strategies to defend against such attacks. Key Takeaways for Businesses The Importance of Cybersecurity Layers: One of the key lessons from the MGM cyber attack is the critical importance of recognizing that relying on a single security measure is not enough to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. MGM’s breach serves as a stark reminder of this fact. Businesses must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity by implementing multiple layers of defense. This can include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, endpoint security solutions, and robust employee training programs. Regular security audits and updates: Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and businesses must stay proactive in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and system updates are essential to ensuring that a company’s defense mechanisms are up-to-date and capable of fending off modern threats. Incident Response Plan: MGM Resorts International faced significant chaos during the cyberattack, highlighting the need for a well-defined incident response plan. Businesses should have a clear protocol in place to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a breach. This includes communication plans to keep stakeholders informed and minimize damage. Employee training and awareness: Human error is a significant factor in many cyber incidents. Employees may inadvertently click on phishing emails or use weak passwords, making it easier for attackers to gain access to systems. In the case of MGM, hackers appear to have employed social engineering by impersonating employees and making a fraudulent call to the service desk. Regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs can help employees recognize and respond to potential threats effectively. Third-party risk management: Just weeks before the MGM breach, another Las Vegas casino fell victim to a serious ransomware incident. Caesars Entertainment says their customer data was accessed following an attack on an unnamed third-party IT vendor. Businesses must assess and manage the cybersecurity risks associated with their ecosystem of suppliers, partners, and service providers to mitigate external vulnerabilities. Electric offers a Solution Electric offers a comprehensive IT security solution that can help businesses fortify their defenses against cyberattacks like the one that targeted MGM Resorts. With Electric’s IT security enhancements, businesses can: Implement robust cybersecurity layers: Electric provides tools and expertise to help businesses establish multi-layered security strategies, enhancing protection against a wide range of threats. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection: We offer a similar platform which offers continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection to identify and respond to potential security breaches promptly. Automated Patch Management: Electric automates the process of patching and updating systems and software, reducing vulnerabilities and the risk of exploitation. Incident Response Support: Electric assists in developing and executing incident response plans, ensuring businesses can effectively respond to security incidents. User Training and Awareness: Electric can provide training and resources to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, reducing the risk of human error leading to security breaches. By leveraging Electric’s IT security enhancements, businesses can proactively strengthen their cybersecurity posture, mitigating the risk of cyberattacks and the potentially devastating consequences they can bring. Author Nerdcore Computers