China-Linked ‘Smishing Triad’ Exploits 194,000 Domains in Global Phishing Campaign
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a massive global phishing operation tied to a China-linked cybercrime group known as the “Smishing Triad.” The syndicate is believed to have exploited more than 194,000 domains to carry out coordinated SMS-based attacks, targeting individuals and businesses across multiple continents.
Unlike traditional email phishing, the group relies on “smishing” — phishing via text message — to trick victims into clicking malicious links that lead to fake websites impersonating trusted brands, banks, and delivery companies. Once users enter their login details or one-time passwords, the attackers capture the data and use it for fraudulent transactions or resale on the dark web.
Investigators found that the Smishing Triad continuously rotates its vast network of domains to stay ahead of detection. Thousands of new domains are registered or hijacked each week, often hosted on low-cost or compromised servers. The operation is highly automated, allowing the group to quickly replicate convincing login pages tailored to local languages and brands in each target region.
The scale and sophistication of the campaign demonstrate how cybercriminals are adapting to global defenses. The use of text messages — often perceived as more personal and trustworthy than email — has made smishing one of the fastest-growing cyber threats of 2025.
Experts warn that the campaign exposes serious weaknesses in both SMS security and domain registration systems, urging organizations to phase out text-based verification and adopt more secure, app-based authentication methods.
Authorities are working to dismantle the network, but with new domains appearing daily, complete disruption may prove difficult. The Smishing Triad’s operation underscores how modern cybercrime blends automation, deception, and global infrastructure — turning simple text messages into one of the most effective tools for large-scale digital theft.
AI Justice Tool Launches in Victoria, Helping People Write and Lodge Complaints
Victoria has introduced a new AI-powered tool aimed at making the justice system more accessible for everyday residents. The platform helps people draft, format, and submit complaints to government agencies, tribunals, and ombudsman services, reducing the complexity and time often involved in navigating bureaucratic processes.
The tool works by guiding users through a structured question-and-answer process. Based on their responses, it generates formal complaint documents in the correct format for the relevant authority. It can also suggest supporting evidence and recommend procedural steps, helping users avoid common errors that could delay or invalidate their applications.
Designed with inclusivity in mind, the AI assistant accommodates users with limited legal knowledge, literacy challenges, or language barriers. By breaking down legal jargon and offering clear explanations, the tool aims to empower more people to exercise their rights without needing costly legal representation.
Officials say the platform could streamline dispute resolution and reduce administrative pressure on government offices, while also providing users with confidence that their complaints are properly structured and complete. The system does not provide legal advice but acts as a practical writing and submission aid, bridging a gap for those who might otherwise struggle with complex forms.
The launch aligns with broader efforts in Victoria to use technology for public service delivery and access to justice. Early trials indicate that users find it intuitive and time-saving, and there are plans to expand its capabilities to cover additional types of complaints and incorporate guidance for mediation and follow-up processes.
By combining AI with user-friendly design, the new justice tool offers a model for how technology can democratize access to legal and administrative processes, ensuring that more citizens can participate fully in resolving grievances and holding institutions accountable.
Westpac Accelerates AI Adoption to Transform Business Banking Operations
Westpac has announced a major push to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across its business banking operations, aiming to streamline processes, enhance customer experience, and drive operational efficiency. The move reflects a broader trend in the banking sector, where AI is increasingly leveraged to reduce administrative burdens and deliver faster, more personalized services.
The bank plans to deploy AI tools in areas such as credit assessment, fraud detection, transaction monitoring, and customer support. By analyzing large volumes of data in real time, AI systems can identify risk patterns, flag suspicious activity, and assist relationship managers in making more informed lending decisions. This is expected to reduce manual workloads and accelerate turnaround times for business clients.
Westpac is also exploring AI-driven automation in back-office operations, including document processing, compliance checks, and reporting. The bank says these technologies will allow staff to focus on higher-value tasks such as advisory services and strategic client engagement, improving both efficiency and service quality.
Customer-facing AI applications are another focus. Chatbots and virtual assistants will provide 24/7 support, handling routine inquiries, helping clients navigate banking platforms, and guiding them through product offerings. This digital support is designed to complement human teams, providing faster responses while freeing staff to handle more complex client needs.
The bank emphasizes that AI adoption will be accompanied by strong governance and ethical safeguards, ensuring data privacy, transparency, and fairness in decision-making. Westpac also plans ongoing training for staff to work effectively alongside AI systems, promoting a culture of innovation and responsible technology use.
By accelerating AI adoption, Westpac aims to redefine business banking operations, delivering smarter, faster, and more tailored services to its clients while strengthening internal efficiency and risk management capabilities. This initiative positions the bank at the forefront of digital transformation in the Australian financial sector.
LinkedIn Launches First-Ever AI Agent for Recruiters to Enhance Hiring Across Australia
LinkedIn has unveiled its first AI-powered agent for recruiters in Australia, marking a significant step in applying artificial intelligence to the hiring process. The tool is designed to streamline talent acquisition by helping recruiters identify, engage, and manage candidates more efficiently across the platform’s professional network.
The AI agent uses machine learning and natural language processing to analyze candidate profiles, match skills to job requirements, and suggest potential hires. It can also assist with drafting messages, scheduling interviews, and tracking candidate engagement, reducing the administrative burden on recruiters and allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks such as relationship building and strategic hiring decisions.
According to LinkedIn, the AI agent is intended to complement human judgment rather than replace it. Recruiters retain full control over which candidates to contact and how to manage hiring workflows, while the AI provides actionable insights and recommendations to make the process faster and more effective.
The launch comes at a time when companies across Australia face competitive labor markets and growing pressure to attract top talent quickly. By automating repetitive tasks and improving candidate matching, LinkedIn aims to shorten hiring cycles, enhance candidate experience, and increase overall recruitment efficiency.
Data privacy and ethical use of AI are central to the tool’s design. LinkedIn emphasizes that the system adheres to strict guidelines, ensuring candidate data is handled responsibly and that recommendations are fair, unbiased, and transparent.
Early adopters of the AI agent in Australia report significant time savings in screening and engagement, alongside more targeted outreach to candidates who best fit open roles. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into recruitment workflows, LinkedIn’s initiative represents a major step toward smarter, AI-assisted hiring in the region.
Tech Central Plan Big on Buzz Words But Light on Delivery
The recently unveiled Tech Central strategy has drawn both excitement and skepticism, with officials highlighting ambitious plans for innovation, digital transformation, and economic growth, but critics questioning how much of it will translate into tangible outcomes.
The plan is packed with high-impact terminology: “smart city,” “AI-driven industries,” “digital ecosystems,” and “innovation hubs” dominate the narrative. It promises to attract startups, boost research and development, and position the region as a global technology leader. Supporters argue that the vision sets a clear direction for future investment and collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector.
However, analysts and industry observers point out that while the plan excels at painting a compelling picture, it offers few specifics on implementation, timelines, or measurable targets. Key questions remain about funding, regulatory support, and how initiatives will be coordinated to deliver real economic impact rather than simply serving as a marketing tool.
Past initiatives with similar language have sometimes struggled to move beyond the concept stage, leaving stakeholders wary of lofty promises without clear accountability. Some startup founders express concern that without actionable programs, talent attraction and infrastructure improvements may lag behind the rhetoric.
The plan’s heavy reliance on buzzwords risks generating excitement among investors and policymakers, but may fall short of the practical support needed for businesses to innovate, scale, and create jobs. Observers stress that clarity, follow-through, and measurable outcomes will determine whether Tech Central becomes a genuine hub for technological growth or simply another aspirational statement.
Ultimately, while the Tech Central plan sets out an ambitious vision, its success will depend on concrete actions, sustained investment, and transparent reporting—elements that critics say are currently missing from the glossy announcements. Without them, the plan risks being more style than substance.
