Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

how cyber criminals are increasingly targeting the tourism market

  • Written by Joe Burton, Senior Lecturer, New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science, University of Waikato
how cyber criminals are increasingly targeting the tourism market

Imagine if a hacker shut down the baggage handling system of one of the world’s busiest airports. Or took control of a fleet of autonomous delivery trucks and re-routed them to disrupt rush hour traffic in a major metropolis. What if the hacker then demanded a ransom to unlock the digital networks they’d hijacked?

According to the latest State of the Internet report from Akamai, one of the world’s largest providers of computer servers and networks, these scenarios aren’t fantasies of some distant dystopia. They are just around the corner.

Read more: Internet of Things: when objects threaten national security

Technology continues to evolve with advances in artificial intelligence, automation, biometrics and a rapidly expanding Internet of Things. With this comes an increasing and potentially catastrophic risk of malicious actors bringing digital infrastructure and the societal services that rely on it to a grinding halt.

Even if we’re not quite there yet, there are several worrying trends highlighted in the report that show what cyber security professionals are already confronting.

DDoS for hire

The first concern relates to an increasing frequency and volume of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks – up 16% in the last year. These attacks bombard computers with huge amounts of data. They are used by malicious actors to disrupt and delay networks and make them unavailable to their users.

The most famous DDoS attacks were against Estonia in 2007, shutting down banks, media organisations and government ministries.

Fast forward a decade and the volume of data harnessed in such attacks has increased exponentially. According to the Akamai report, the largest DDoS attack in history was recorded in February this year against a software development company. It involved a data flow of 1.35 terabytes (1,350 gigabytes) per second.

The Southern Cross Cable connecting Australia and New Zealand’s internet has an estimated overall capacity of greater than 22 Tbps – due in large part to recent upgrades. Such a high-volume attack directed at a single choke point could have a big impact on transcontinental and national internet speeds.

Read more: Did the Census really suffer a denial-of-service 'attack'?

Perhaps even more concerning is that DDoS technologies are being commercialised and sold to cyber criminals on “DDoS-for-hire” websites.

They’re also becoming more sophisticated. Previously seen as a fairly simple way of exploiting internet traffic, the latest DDoS attacks exhibit more novel ways of creating “botnets” (networks of compromised computers) to redirect data flows against a target. According to the Akamai report, attackers have been paying attention to mitigation efforts and changing the nature of their attacks as they unfold.

Hacking holidays

Cyber criminals will invariably look for the weakest links. This might be individuals who never update their passwords and use unidentified wifi networks without due diligence. Or it could be particular commercial sectors that are lagging behind in cyber security standards.

The Akamai report highlights that in the last year organised cyber criminals are increasingly targeting the tourism market. A staggering 3.9 billion malicious login attempts occurred during the last year against sites belonging to airlines, cruise lines, hotels, online travel, automotive rental and transport organisations.

Finding out who is responsible is a trickier problem. Evidence suggests that exploitation of hotel and travel sites is mostly emanating from Russia and China, and it’s possibly the work of organised cyber criminals targeting tourists for easy gain. But more work needs to be done to map cyber crime and understand the complex criminal networks that underpin it.

It’s not all doom and gloom

While the report warns of larger more destructive DDoS attacks before the end of 2018, it’s not all doom and gloom. The potential for cooperation is also evident.

In April 2018, the Dutch National High Tech Crime Unit and the UK National Crime Agency ran the appropriately named “Operation Power Off”. This targeted a DDoS-for-hire site that was responsible for somewhere between four and six million DDoS attacks over its lifetime. The successful operation led to arrests and likely criminal prosecutions.

Read more: Explainer: what is hacking?

These sorts of high level cyber crime collaborations are growing in frequency and strength. Our own national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in New Zealand, for example, is working with its Australian counterpart – and CERTs all around the Asia Pacific region – to identify and counter cyber crime.

The New Zealand government is currently consulting on a “refreshed” national cyber security strategy, and new powers have been invested in the Australian Signals Directorate to combat, prevent and disrupt cybercrime committed outside of Australia. So it appears Trans-Tasman responses to these problems are growing teeth too.

Authors: Joe Burton, Senior Lecturer, New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science, University of Waikato

Read more http://theconversation.com/hacking-your-holiday-how-cyber-criminals-are-increasingly-targeting-the-tourism-market-98967

How Professional Air Conditioning Services Improve Comfort and Efficiency

Air conditioning has become a fundamental part of homes and businesses, providing relief from sweltering summers and keeping interiors warm in winte...

The Value of Professional Rubbish Removal Services

From everyday waste to bulky items like furniture and appliances, finding the right way to dispose of rubbish is not always straightforward. This is...

Why Ugly Websites Sometimes Outperform Beautiful Ones

In the digital age, we're constantly told that first impressions matter, and nowhere does this seem more apparent than in web design. However, a cur...

TPD Claims & Super: What Does It All Mean?

Many Australians hear the term "TPD" in relation to their superannuation and feel completely lost. If you're scratching your head, wondering what it...

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a ...

Best Nail Care Routine for Frequent Nail Polish Wearers

For many people, nail polish is more than a beauty statement – it’s part of their everyday routine. Whether you love bold colours, chic neutrals...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...