Money

Australia’s tougher data breach penalties after Optus hack

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2022

Ahron Young

Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus will introduce laws to parliament to increase penalties for companies subject to major data breaches after high-profile cyberattacks hit millions of Australians in recent weeks.

Dreyfus’s announcement comes after Singtel-owned Optus, the country’s second-largest telco, disclosed on Sept. 22 a hack that saw the theft of personal data from up to 10 million accounts. The telco, financial and government sectors have been on high alert since then.

“The penalties for companies that engage in this sort of behaviour need to be increased so there is a much greater deterrent to companies that do not take data security seriously,” Dreyfus told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

Currently, under Australia’s Privacy Act, companies can be fined a maximum of A$1.7 million (US$1.2 million) for serious breaches of individuals’ privacy. Dreyfus said the proposed changes would increase the maximum fine to “the greater of A$10 million or 3% of global annual turnover.”

“This is a real problem that is faced by governments, by companies large and small…and we think it’s appropriate that there are tougher penalties that reflect the seriousness with which the government takes this matter,” he said.

The proposal follows a string of high-profile data breaches globally, including last year’s Equifax hack that affected about 147 million people worldwide.

Australia is set to introduce tougher penalties for companies subjected to major data breaches in an effort to better protect consumers’ personal information.

This comes after a string of high-profile hacks, including one that affected up to 10 million Optus customers last month. If passed, the proposed law would increase fines from A$1.7 million to “the greater of A$10 million or 3% of global annual turnover.”

Companies large and small are increasingly at risk of data breaches, and it is crucial that steps are taken to protect consumers’ information.

Disclaimer: Experian was falsely mentioned in this article. They were not the victim of a data breach.

Money

Why most Australians aren’t ready for retirement

Australians’ retirement readiness declines as super fund trust wanes; expert shares insights and solutions for financial confidence.

Published

5 hours ago

October 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Australians’ retirement readiness declines as super fund trust wanes; expert shares insights and solutions for financial confidence.

Fewer than one in three Australians feel financially prepared for retirement, with trust in super funds falling and planning gaps widening. In this episode, Dale Gilham from Wealth Within explains why the nation is struggling with financial confidence.

We cover the most common mistakes retirees say they’ve made, how super fund distrust is reshaping decisions, and what role financial planning plays in boosting readiness.

Gilham also outlines the tools and resources Australians are seeking most as they look to secure their financial future. Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Retirement #Superannuation #Finance #Australia #WealthPlanning #MoneyMatters #FinancialFreedom #TickerNews

Money

The fine line between smart investing and risky gambling

Dr. Enticott explains the psychology of risk in investing and offers strategies for safe wealth building. #Investing #Finance #MoneyTips

Published

5 hours ago

October 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Dr. Enticott explains the psychology of risk in investing and offers strategies for safe wealth building. #Investing #Finance #MoneyTips

The difference between a high-risk gamble and a calculated move often comes down to understanding the odds — and respecting them. In this interview, Dr. Steve Enticott from CIA Tax breaks down the psychology behind risky bets.

We discuss how hype-driven investments like meme coins can lure in latecomers, why gambling is statistically designed against the player, and how leverage without a safety net can quickly spiral into financial disaster.

Dr. Enticott also shares practical advice for long-term strategies that focus on building wealth safely, rather than chasing get-rich-quick schemes. Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

Hashtags:
#Investing #Gambling #WealthBuilding #Crypto #Finance #MoneyTips #RiskManagement #TickerNews

Money

Bitcoin rises as a safe asset during shutdown

Bitcoin reaches near all-time high as investors seek safe havens amid US government shutdown

Published

7 hours ago

October 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Bitcoin reaches near all-time high as investors seek safe havens amid US government shutdown

In Short:
– Bitcoin nears all-time high amid U.S. government shutdown, trading at $123,685.87 on October 3rd.
– In South Korea, Bitcoin surpassed 170 million KRW, reaching 170.96 million KRW on October 3rd.

Bitcoin has reached near its all-time high during the U.S. government shutdown, establishing itself as a safe asset.

On October 3rd, at the U.S. cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, Bitcoin traded at $123,685.87, closely approaching the record high of $124,290 set in August. This marks a 1.89% increase in just 24 hours and the first time in two months that Bitcoin has surpassed $123,000.In South Korea, Bitcoin’s value also surged, surpassing 170 million KRW for the first time on the night of October 2nd.

The price climbed to 170.96 million KRW at Bithumb on October 3rd, breaking the previous record of 169.90 million KRW from August 14th.

The surge in Bitcoin’s price is driven by increased interest in safe-haven assets amid the government shutdown. Since October 1st, 750,000 federal employees have been placed on unpaid leave, leading investors to consider alternative assets.

Jeff Kendrick of Standard Chartered remarked that the current market situation differs from the 2018-2019 shutdown, as Bitcoin now closely correlates with U.S. government risk.

Bitcoin’s Future

Forecasts suggest Bitcoin’s upward momentum will persist. Standard Chartered predicts Bitcoin could break its all-time high and reach $135,000. JP Morgan analysts foresee a potential rise to $165,000 by year-end.

Historically, October has been a bullish month for Bitcoin, coining the term ‘Uptober’ due to average returns of 20.63% over the last decade. Ethereum is also on the rise, trading around $4,500, contributing to a larger $4.12 trillion cryptocurrency market.