Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
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The Queensland government has made it known that students and personnel connected with state schools may have been impacted by a cyber event involving Instructure’s Canvas. The breach is linked to a notorious threat group focusing on global education systems.
QLearn, powered by Canvas, aids 1264 K-12 schools, 572,160 students, and over 73,000 teaching staff within the state.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek states that the involved data comprises names, email addresses, and school locations. Thankfully, there are no signs indicating that passwords, dates of birth, or financial information have been compromised.
Principals are currently reaching out to impacted families and educators with additional details on the breach.
Other educational institutions, including RMIT University, UTS, TasTAFE Tasmania, and Western Sydney University, are evaluating their vulnerability. Instructure first communicated the incident on May 2, disclosing the involvement of a criminal third party.
Worldwide, numerous universities and schools are likewise addressing similar challenges due to the attack.
The National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, has commenced coordination efforts to investigate and alleviate the consequences. Updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
The recent cyber event involving the Canvas system has raised alarms about data security within Queensland’s educational sector. While sensitive information seems to remain secure, the breach highlights the necessity for robust cybersecurity protocols in educational establishments.
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Thomas Peer Solutions, an Australian IT solution provider, has revealed the Thomas Peer Data Cloud. This state-of-the-art platform incorporates solutions from key partners including Dell Technologies, NetApp, Veeam, Wasabi Technologies, Datadog, and CrowdStrike. The aim is to assist organizations in securely managing their data across hybrid environments.
The Thomas Peer Data Cloud serves as a unified platform that tackles critical client concerns such as data protection, cyber resilience, observability, and AI preparedness. It provides as-a-service solutions, including backup, cyber-vault, infrastructure, security, and disaster recovery, all backed by 24x7x365 technical support from certified backup specialists.
The unveiling of the Thomas Peer Data Cloud is well-timed, as organizations confront increasing cyber threats and regulatory pressures. As stated by Udara Dharmadasa, CEO of Thomas Peer Solutions, the platform is crafted to secure and manage data, paving the way for an AI-oriented future.
The Executive Data Leadership Forum 2026 was convened to involve industry leaders in dialogues regarding data strategy. The event centered on cyber resilience, observability, data governance, and enhancing data maturity for AI projects.
Collaborators like Veeam and Wasabi Technologies voiced their endorsement for the Thomas Peer Data Cloud. They underscored the platform’s significance in tackling shifting data challenges through a strategic partner ecosystem.
The initiation of the Thomas Peer Data Cloud represents a crucial advancement in improving data management and security for organizations in Australia. By merging technologies from prominent vendors, the platform delivers a thorough solution for data protection and AI preparedness.
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Figure has released a new clip featuring their humanoid robot, Figure 03, performing intricate household chores. This advancement represents a major progression from earlier industrial applications, demonstrating robots organizing a bedroom space with skill and finesse.
The video showcases the robot’s capability to operate a trash bin with its foot, illustrating its advanced spatial reasoning and coordination. Figure 03 also manages delicate electronic devices carefully, highlighting its precise motor abilities.
In a notably remarkable scene, two Figure 03 robots collaborate to make a bed, efficiently arranging cushions and smoothing a duvet. This activity, which is challenging for robotics due to the unpredictable nature of fabrics, demonstrates significant improvements in Figure’s real-time solution-finding algorithms.
Figure’s advancements signify rapid progress, evolving from simple movement to handling complex home tasks. The inclusion of visual language models enables these robots to adjust to their environments and respond to verbal commands, offering insight into future domestic applications.
The layout of Figure 03 appears sophisticated, with smooth movements and integrated sensors. While adapting to home settings presents challenges, the video implies readiness for domestic maintenance, potentially including activities like laundry and washing dishes.
At present, the price of such high-tech robots poses a substantial challenge. Nonetheless, as production scales and supply chains develop, costs are anticipated to lower to about $30,000, similar to the price of a modest vehicle.
Figure AI’s partnerships with organizations such as OpenAI and BMW enhance their capabilities, providing vital resources and data for safe integration into homes. The swift advancement suggests a future where humanoid robots become as ubiquitous as traditional household appliances.
The latest advancements by Figure signify a crucial progression towards the incorporation of humanoid robots into everyday life. With their refined skills in managing household tasks, these robots could soon alter the landscape of home chores, hinting at a future where such devices are commonplace.
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Dr Christina Igasto has been named as the first director-general of the newly established Digital Canberra, under the ACT government, with her start date set for later this month. This new body will oversee digital technology, data management, and security frameworks for the ACT government, while also planning for Canberra’s digitally connected future.
Bettina Konti, who has been acting as the interim director-general since July of last year, will now step into the position of deputy director-general. Konti’s leadership has been crucial in establishing the foundation for Digital Canberra’s bold plans.
Possessing a proven track record from her time at Service NSW, Igasto has played a key role in advancing digital transformation initiatives across a multitude of NSW government agencies. Her proficiency in applying lean, agile, and cyber-secure methodologies is anticipated to propel Digital Canberra’s achievements.
In a recent LinkedIn announcement, Igasto conveyed her enthusiasm for enhancing the provision of innovative and reliable digital services to the ACT community. Her appointment represents a strategic effort to boost digital capabilities and enrich the lives of Canberrans.
Greg Wells, managing director of Service NSW, acknowledged Igasto’s notable contributions, which include fortifying digital infrastructures and implementing significant projects like disaster management and digital identity solutions. Her role in cultivating an inclusive and results-oriented environment has been greatly appreciated.
Digital Canberra is set for a transformative journey under the guidance of Dr Christina Igasto, who brings her rich experience from Service NSW. With Bettina Konti transitioning to a supportive capacity, Digital Canberra is focused on elevating its digital strategy and service provision for the ACT government.
Digital Canberra is a newly established directorate within the ACT government, dedicated to overseeing digital technology, data management, and security systems, while strategizing for a digitally connected future.
Dr Christina Igasto is the previous Chief Digital Officer of Service NSW and has now been appointed as the first director-general of Digital Canberra, bringing vast expertise in digital transformation.
Bettina Konti acted as the interim director-general of Digital Canberra, aiding in establishing the groundwork for the directorate’s ambitious transformation agenda. She will now serve as the deputy director-general.
During her role at Service NSW, Igasto championed digital transformation projects across over 80 agencies, incorporating lean, agile, and cyber-secure practices in service delivery.
Digital Canberra aims to enhance digital service provision for the ACT government, delivering seamless, innovative, and trustworthy digital services to elevate the quality of life for Canberrans.
Greg Wells, managing director of Service NSW, commended Igasto for her impactful contributions, bolstering digital infrastructure, and steering key initiatives throughout her time in office.
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The ClickFix strategy is an advanced form of social manipulation that takes advantage of user trust by encouraging them to execute detrimental commands on their own machines. This tactic has become well-known as attackers deploy fake CAPTCHA verifications to spread malware such as Vidar Stealer.
Perpetrators infiltrate legitimate Australian corporate websites operating on WordPress by embedding harmful JavaScript code. This code, triggered by user interaction with a fraudulent CAPTCHA, copies a malicious PowerShell command to the user’s clipboard. The attack subsequently prompts the victim to execute this command with administrative permissions, thus compromising their own device.
The ACSC has stressed the importance for government bodies, businesses, and individuals to prevent untrusted scripts from executing. Administrators of WordPress should confirm that their sites are updated and devoid of outdated plugins to avert compromise.
Both Apple and Microsoft are proactively addressing ClickFix threats. Apple has improved its XProtect anti-malware tool and rolled out new security notifications in macOS. Microsoft has documented the progression of the attack and is enhancing its Defender software to provide stronger protection for users.
The ClickFix scam poses a considerable threat to users who inadvertently jeopardize their own systems. With the ACSC’s recommendations and the proactive initiatives from tech companies, users can enhance their defense against this escalating risk.
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In the vibrant suburb of Clifton Hill, Melbourne, a new community battery system has been introduced, representing a major leap in local energy innovations. Launched by Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, this project is situated at the Collingwood Leisure Centre, merging energy storage with public electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, a first for this locality.
The site in Clifton Hill is notable for its prioritization of accessibility. It features dual-60kW EV chargers with two designated bays, emphasizing inclusivity. In partnership with the City of Yarra’s Disability Advisory Committee, the design caters to wheelchair users through lower-height units and spacious parking areas.
This initiative has received considerable support from the Yarra City Council, with local officials praising the launch of the facility. Minister D’Ambrosio stressed that local energy initiatives like this are essential for updating Victoria’s energy framework, making energy prices more affordable and reliable while transitioning to renewable sources.
“Labor’s neighbourhood batteries are making energy more affordable and reliable for Victorians.”Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources, Victorian Government.
The Clifton Hill community battery system signifies a major advancement in sustainable energy approaches for Melbourne’s inner suburbs. With an emphasis on accessibility and community support, this project not only aids in the adoption of electric vehicles but also serves as a model for future developments in densely populated areas. As data from this initiative is collected, the findings will be vital for expanding similar projects throughout Melbourne and beyond.
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PCPJack, a highly advanced cloud-based worm, has been discovered by researchers at SentinelLabs. This malware exhibits a unique ability: it removes the malicious code used by the infamous TeamPCP hackers and substitutes it with its own. Detected through Google’s VirusTotal malware detection service, PCPJack sets up a Python virtual environment to extend its capabilities.
PCPJack is tailored to extract credentials from a variety of services, encompassing cloud, container, developer, productivity, and financial solutions. The malware strives to disseminate itself across exposed cloud infrastructures and performs lateral movement within targeted environments. The services PCPJack focuses on include Docker, Kubernetes, Redis, MongoDB, RayML, and susceptible web applications.
Unlike certain malware that engages in cryptocurrency mining efforts, PCPJack pursues monetization through different methods. It partakes in the resale of compromised access, credential theft, fraud, spam, and extortion, rendering it a flexible menace in the cybercriminal ecosystem.
TeamPCP, a hacking collective noted for breaching the Aqua Security Trivy vulnerability scanner, has been implicated in various prominent attacks. These involve the CanisterWorm supply chain breach and a trojanized variant of the LiteLLM proxy. The rise of PCPJack suggests potential insider knowledge regarding TeamPCP’s operations, as conjectured by SentinelLabs.
Despite the advanced nature of PCPJack’s code, SentinelLabs uncovered several security flaws. These include the lack of encryption for the token associated with the attacker’s Telegram command and control (C2) bot, along with a credential decryption key. Such oversights reveal possible vulnerabilities that could be utilized to lessen the threat posed by PCPJack.
PCPJack signifies a noteworthy advancement in the malware arena, expertly targeting cloud infrastructures with accuracy and effectiveness. Its capability to eliminate pre-existing malicious code and supplant it with its own renders it a formidable foe. Although it does not partake in cryptocurrency mining, its monetization via credential theft and fraud presents considerable dangers to impacted organizations.
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Telstra has expressed apprehensions about the preparedness of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations to facilitate trustworthy 000 emergency calls. The telecommunications leader has notified the federal government that these systems must attain a “critical mass” to ensure sufficient support for emergency services.
Telstra’s alert corresponds with its earlier guidance that 5G non-terrestrial network standards are still under development. The merger of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is crucial for delivering reliable SMS, voice, and data services. Until LEOsat densities reach necessary levels, consistent emergency communication will continue to be difficult.
The telecommunications provider recommends pushing back the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) until a complete ecosystem, which includes adequate LEO satellites and infrastructure, is established. Telstra foresees that this may not be realized until late 2028.
Telstra’s dealings with Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEOsat constellation reveal the obstacles encountered. Transitioning from geostationary to LEOsat backhaul resulted in a 43% rise in mobile tower outages. These outages brought considerable disruptions to the availability of 000 calls, with certain base stations unable to manage emergency calls for up to 35 minutes each day.
Telstra’s cautious outlook on the preparedness of LEO satellites for emergency services highlights the necessity for a well-rounded infrastructure before depending on them for crucial communication. As Australia advances its telecommunications capabilities, ensuring sturdy and dependable emergency call systems remains a principal concern.
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The rapid growth of data centres, fueled by the increasing demands of AI technologies, is putting pressure on Microsoft’s capability to fulfill its clean energy commitment for 2030. The firm’s once ambitious goal, established prior to the AI surge, now confronts logistical and financial obstacles.
Microsoft, along with rivals such as Amazon and Alphabet, is making substantial investments in AI infrastructure, including offerings like Copilot and Azure cloud services. These developments require considerable energy resources, prompting a reassessment of clean energy timelines.
In response to the rising energy demands, Microsoft is investigating various energy alternatives. The company has formed partnerships with We Energies to implement 1.2 gigawatts of carbon-free energy projects by 2028, while also looking into nuclear energy options such as the Three Mile Island facility in Pennsylvania.
The increase in data centre construction has led to a rise in natural gas consumption due to its faster implementation compared to renewable energy sources. This trend underscores a larger industry challenge of reconciling rapid technological progress with sustainability goals.
Microsoft is currently in the process of reassessing its 2030 clean energy objectives due to the substantial energy requirements stemming from AI infrastructure expansion. While the organization remains dedicated to sustainability, it is exploring a blend of energy solutions, including renewables and nuclear power, to address future needs.
