University of Queensland enters partnership for Indo-Pacific cyber security program

Under this partnership, the University of Queensland will deliver a new cyber security program on behalf of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

To boost cyber security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific, the University of Queensland has partnered with AUSCERT and international cyber-support service, IDCARE.

Dr Ivano Bongiovanni, General Manager, AUSCERT, said, "examine the applicability of proven Australian cyber security capabilities within an Indo-Pacific context, working to enhance community response and long-term resilience to cyber-crime and online scams. We are delighted to be partnering with IDCARE and the University of Queensland to play a critical role in helping our Indo-Pacific neighbours and bolstering cyber security across the region," as reported by PR Wire.

"In collaboration with local business councils and key stakeholders we will tailor and deliver cyber resilience training programs. Overall, we will be exporting Australia's best practices for responding to escalating threat levels and working to strengthen local Indo-Pacific cyber resilience," said Professor Ryan Ko, Director of UQ Cyber Research Centre, The University of Queensland.

Crypto scam victims are from across socioeconomic spectrum: UQ study

A new study by the University of Queensland has found that the crypto scam claimed victims from all socioeconomic statuses.

The study highlighted that cryptocurrency investment scams have increased in recent times. In Australia last year, $171 million were lost in these scams, the victims are from both socioeconomic advantaged and disadvantaged groups. As per the study, an independent online awareness program is needed to tackle with these issues.

Associate Professor Levon Blue in UQ’s Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and affiliated with the School of Education said, “Cryptocurrency investment scams cost Australians a reported $171 million last year alone, and that figure is only set to grow as more people embrace new forms of digital finance products and services. We surveyed 745 Australian adults who’d purchased cryptocurrencies or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and found both socioeconomic advantaged and disadvantaged people were vulnerable to investment scams. The number one place people learned about cryptocurrency was social media."

Dr Blue said that there are two vulnerable groups - the first is most likely casual or part-time workers, indigenous, and female, the others are from socioeconomically advantaged societies such as full-time employees, having completed university education and owning their home.

“Our findings suggest that online financial education from trusted independent sources is urgently needed to help combat scams and to keep Australians and their crypto assets safe,” added Dr Blue.

Health and Medical Research at UQ secures $7.5 million funding

4 Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) schemes have awarded $7.5 million to University of Queensland researchers. It is for four projects that focus on improving health outcomes. These projects focus on obstructive sleep apnoea, paediatric cardiac surgery care, and cardiovascular disease.

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