Dark web patrols: CouriersPlease reveals how it is keeping customers safe online

• Delivery giant says monitoring customer data in dark web depths is now key
• As text message scams soar, CouriersPlease is moving from SMS to email
• Customers urged to update passwords to stay safe

Australia’s fastest growing franchised courier service, CouriersPlease, says the world of cyber security is increasingly descending into the dark web. It’s why a large part of its cyber safety strategy focusses on scanning the dark web for customer data.

The dark web refers to the internet’s hidden sites, services and products. Dark websites use encryption software to allow anonymity. While there are plenty of legitimate activities bubbling above its surface, the dark web remains a cesspool for illegal activity – including drug and weapon sales and stolen data transactions.[1]

Following an unprecedented wave of data breaches last year that saw the dark web marketplace swell with stolen data sales[2], CouriersPlease, CEO, Richard Thame says many companies have stepped up their dark web monitoring, with the parcel and delivery service’s security team looking at new ways to keep their customers data secure.

Last year, Australia was revealed as one of the world’s top 10 countries targeted by cybercrime[3], with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also reporting Australians lost more than $3 billion to scammers between 2022 and 2023[4]. While the ACCC announced scam losses declined by 13.1 per cent this year, they warned text messages are the most reported contact method of scammers and resulted in the highest reported losses, at $116 million. [5]

CouriersPlease, Infrastructure and Security Manager, Sajit Sam says phishing websites are another common scam hurting Australians each year.

While CouriersPlease works tirelessly to monitor data breaches, identify fake websites and enhance communication methods to keep its customers safe, there are a few simple ways Australian’s can drastically reduce their chances of being hacked or scammed.

1. Don’t use the same password on your home and work devices. While strong passwords are frequently touted as a top cyber safety tactic, Sajit says an overwhelming number of the public still use the same passwords across all their devices – including their work and home computers.

       In addition, he recommends using ‘passphrases’ instead of passwords.[6]

2. Change your password frequently and make it a strong one. Sajit advises a minimum of 10-plus characters, capitals and characters and he suggests using a password manager application to keep track of them.

3. Secure your accounts with multi-factor authentication. This means using two or more different types of action to verify your identity. The Australian Government’s Cyber Security Centre states this is the best way to add extra layers of protection against cybercriminals.[7]

4. Click on any links with care and caution. Always apply caution when opening any emails and SMS, says Sajit. “The minute you download an attachment or click on an SMS link that belongs to a cybercriminal, you’re opening the door to phishers and scammers,” he warns.[8] The Australian Cyber Security Centre put self-reported losses for business email compromise at around $81.45 million annually.

5. Be on the lookout for scams and use the Government’s ‘have you been hacked tool’. Sajit says familiarising yourself with common scams targeting Australians right now (such as phishing emails and texts, remote-access scams and identity theft)[9] is an effective way to stay vigilant. Remember scammers create a sense of urgency, so if you’re being forced to act fast on a text or email, treat it with extreme caution.

ENDS

About CouriersPlease

CouriersPlease is Australia’s fastest growing franchised courier and parcel delivery service, providing shipping solutions for E-Commerce retailers and traders across the nation. Celebrating 40 years of success in 2023, CouriersPlease continues to experience exponential year-on-year growth and is the trusted courier partner for Australia’s leading retail brands through its independent Franchise Partners and network affiliates. CouriersPlease is a multi-award-winning courier service, receiving a 5 Star rating on the FRANData Franchise Rating Scale and winning the NORA (National Online Retailers Association) Solution Partners Best Carrier Award in 2023. With 800+ active franchise territories and 400 support staff across 18 depot locations, CouriersPlease is committed to upholding its company values of Safety, Trust, Total Customer, One Team, Top Execution and Transformation. Visit couriersplease.com.au

[1] https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/what-is-the-dark-web

[2] https://preyproject.com/blog/dark-web-data-breaches#:~:text=Understanding%20Dark%20Web%20Data%20Breaches,the%20dark%20web%20for%20sale.

[3] https://cybercx.com.au/news/australia-one-of-the-top-ten-countries-targeted/

[4] https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-calls-for-united-front-as-scammers-steal-over-3bn-from-australians

[5] https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/scam-losses-decline-but-more-work-to-do-as-australians-lose-27-billion

[6] https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/securing-your-accounts/passphrases

[7] https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/resources-protect-yourself/personal-security-guides/protect-yourself-multi-factor-authentication

[8] https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/securing-your-email

[9] https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn-basics/watch-out-threats/types-scams