Daily Aussie News

SMBs Face a Growing Cybersecurity Crisis, New Report Warns

August 23, 2025

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Australia and worldwide are facing a dangerous cybersecurity dilemma. A new technology report reveals that while most leaders recognise the growing threat of cyberattacks, many lack the resources to defend themselves properly - leaving businesses vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated digital criminals.

The Rising Risk for Small Businesses

From ransomware and phishing scams to AI-driven fraud, cyber threats are no longer limited to large corporations. Experts warn that any business using email, storing sensitive customer data, or operating online is a potential target. And as SMBs expand their digital footprint with new apps, cloud services, and AI, their attack surface grows.

This year, Kinetic Business, a leading business fibre-internet provider, released its 2025 Small and Medium-Sized Business Technology Report. The findings are a wake-up call: SMBs know they need to step up cybersecurity, but many simply don’t have the money, skills, or time to do so.

What the Kinetic Report Reveals

We sat down with Michael Flannery, President of Kinetic Business, to unpack the report’s findings and what they mean for small businesses.

Top-line findings

Michael Flannery: “What really jumped out was cybersecurity. We saw a disconnect: many leaders acknowledge the growing threat of cyberattacks and want to protect their organisations, yet they lack the resources to invest in those defences.

59% of SMBs said they need to improve cybersecurity and compliance.
But only 49% plan to invest in cybersecurity technology this year.
52% lack confidence in their ability to manage a cyber threat due to limited resources.

This shows SMBs are stretched thin - in time, expertise, and funding. That invites trouble.”

How this compares to other surveys

MF: “There’s consensus that SMBs are in the crosshairs. Mastercard found 46% of SMBs experienced a cyberattack, and nearly one in five later filed for bankruptcy or shut down. Nationwide reported that one in four SMBs faced scams using generative AI, and most severely underestimated the costs - believing attacks would cost under $5,000, when in reality claims average $18,000 to $21,000, with recovery times up to 75 days.”

Supply chain vulnerabilities

MF: “Our report didn’t directly focus on supply chains, but third-party risks are huge. According to Dark Reading, 31% of cyber-related insurance claims stem from supplier-related breaches. Ransomware incidents linked to third parties averaged $241,000 per claim, up 72% from 2023. Even if your own defences are strong, a weak vendor link can expose you. Collaboration with suppliers and partners is non-negotiable.”

Balancing budget constraints with cybersecurity needs

MF: “Cybercriminals are targeting smaller firms because they’re seen as easier prey. My advice: do something. Even small, layered measures make a difference. At minimum, SMBs should consider:

Integrated firewalls (often built into business internet services)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Endpoint security solutions

These are affordable, scalable, and effective. But beyond tools, SMBs need training and awareness so employees understand and follow cybersecurity practices.”

Beyond Cybersecurity: Other SMB Tech Priorities

The Kinetic report also revealed SMBs’ broader challenges:

42% worry about current economic conditions
41% face budget pressures and cost reduction demands
36% prioritise growth and expansion
30% struggle to recruit and retain skilled staff
27% want to modernise outdated technology

Technology adoption is high on the agenda, but budget remains the biggest barrier. 66% of leaders cited funding new tech as their top challenge. Over half (56%) want faster internet and more efficient systems, while one-third (34%) plan to invest in collaboration tools such as video conferencing.

The Bottom Line

Cyberattacks are no longer “big business” problems - they’re everyone’s problem. The Kinetic Business report makes it clear: SMBs must act now to strengthen cybersecurity, even with limited resources. Layered defences, strong vendor collaboration, and staff training can go a long way to protecting against devastating losses.

SMBs that take proactive steps today won’t just protect their data and reputation - they’ll also build resilience for long-term growth.

Scientists Crack Long-Standing Barrier to Reliable Quantum Computing

July 06, 2025

In a world-first, researchers have simulated a fault-tolerant quantum code once thought impossible to replicate on conventional computers — marking a major step forward for robust quantum technologies.

A team from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, the University of Milan, the University of Granada, and the University of Tokyo has developed a new algorithm that can simulate quantum circuits using the notoriously complex Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) bosonic code. The breakthrough provides a crucial test-bed for future quantum hardware and could accelerate progress towards error-resistant quantum computers.

Why This Matters for Quantum Computing

Quantum computers can theoretically solve problems that today’s supercomputers could never handle, thanks to quantum superposition — the ability of qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This exponential power has applications in fields like medicine, energy, encryption, AI, and logistics.

But there’s a major hurdle: quantum systems are extremely prone to errors. Unlike conventional computers, which have reliable error correction, quantum computers struggle to detect and fix mistakes. This makes developing fault-tolerant quantum hardware and verifying quantum computations critical — but incredibly difficult.

Until now, some quantum computations have been so complex that even the world’s fastest supercomputers would take longer than the age of the universe to simulate them. That’s why this breakthrough is so significant.

Cracking the Code: How It Works

The research team discovered a way to simulate quantum computations that use the GKP bosonic code — a method that distributes quantum information across multiple energy levels in a vibrating quantum system. This makes quantum circuits more resistant to noise and disturbances.

“We have discovered a way to simulate a specific type of quantum computation where previous methods have not been effective,” said Cameron Calcluth, PhD in Applied Quantum Physics at Chalmers University and lead author of the study. “This means we can now simulate quantum computations with an error correction code used for fault tolerance, which is crucial for building better and more robust quantum computers in the future.”

Why Simulating Bosonic Codes Has Been So Hard

Quantum bits (qubits) can hold the values 1 and 0 — and everything in between — at the same time. This means each additional qubit exponentially increases computing power, but also increases sensitivity to interference like vibrations, electromagnetic radiation, or temperature changes. The result? Qubits lose their quantum state, leading to computational errors.

Bosonic codes, such as the GKP code, help by encoding quantum information into many energy levels of a vibrating system. However, these deeply quantum mechanical codes have been nearly impossible to simulate on classical computers until now.

A New Mathematical Tool Makes It Possible

The research team created a new mathematical tool that allows conventional computers to handle GKP-based circuits more efficiently. This enables researchers to test and validate quantum computations that were previously out of reach.

“This opens up entirely new ways of simulating quantum computations that we have previously been unable to test but are crucial for building stable and scalable quantum computers,” said Giulia Ferrini, Associate Professor of Applied Quantum Physics at Chalmers and co-author of the study.

What’s Next?

The new method gives scientists a practical way to verify quantum calculations, paving the way for more reliable, error-corrected quantum hardware. While quantum computers still face challenges before they’re ready for everyday use, breakthroughs like this bring the future of practical quantum computing a step closer.

About the Research

The study, Classical simulation of circuits with realistic odd-dimensional Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill states, was published in Physical Review Letters. Authors include Cameron Calcluth, Giulia Ferrini, Oliver Hahn, Juani Bermejo-Vega, and Alessandro Ferraro. The research is a collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Milan, the University of Granada, and the University of Tokyo.

Credit: Image and illustration courtesy of Chalmers University of Technology | Cameron Calcluth

How Generative AI Is Shaping Daily Life: Real Stories from Everyday Australians

June 29, 2025

Generative artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s becoming part of how people learn, work, create, and even cope with life’s biggest challenges. While governments worldwide debate how to regulate its use, everyday Australians are finding countless ways to integrate it into their routines — and not all of them are positive.

Educators Turning AI into a Teaching Tool

Some teachers and tutors say generative AI has become an unexpected ally. George, a tutor in Western Australia, uses AI to double-check facts and craft example stories for students — although he still edits the content to add accuracy and depth. Cam, a Queensland teacher, even uses AI as a virtual tutor for learning rare languages like Farsi and to create worksheets that free up time for more engaging classroom activities.

In fact, a recent study by Queensland University of Technology in 2024 revealed that over 70% of university staff across 17 Australian universities are using AI for work-related tasks.

Rising Concerns About Academic Quality

Yet not everyone in education is thrilled. Jane, a university tutor, worries that generative AI is hurting students’ critical thinking. She says she now uses AI herself — not for teaching, but to catch AI-generated plagiarism in student assignments.

ACT student Jemy shares a similar fear, arguing that over-reliance on AI could weaken people’s ability to think deeply — a vital skill that education is supposed to nurture.

Parents and Students Finding Unexpected Benefits

Not all the stories are cautionary tales. Tim, a Victorian parent, used AI to set up a customised tutor for his daughter’s Year 12 subjects. Tania, another parent, says AI gave her kids new ideas about possible study and career paths — and even highlighted risks of pursuing jobs that might not exist in a few years.

Workplaces Divided: Time Saver or Trouble?

At work, people’s experiences vary wildly. Chris, a software developer from the ACT, calls AI his “personal assistant”, helping him write and test code faster, and even draft emails that match his tone.

But Steven, who works in disability support in Victoria, says AI-generated shift notes have caused confusion and misinformation — more hassle than help. Meanwhile, an anonymous developer says pushing AI into every product is burning out teams and frustrating staff who would rather focus on users’ needs.

Creatives Wrestle with AI’s Impact on Art

For writers and artists, generative AI remains a lightning rod. Annabelle, a Victorian writer, feels her work has been devalued and used without permission to train AI models. By contrast, April, an artist, uses AI to spark new ideas and help run her creative business, seeing it as a tool to boost — not replace — her skills.

Others, like Michael in WA, have even used AI to fulfil long-held dreams. AI helped him transform his poetry into full-fledged songs, letting him share his music with the world.

Using AI for Support and Reflection

Some people turn to AI for mental health support. Simon from Tasmania used AI journalling to process grief after losing a child, though he warns about the risk of developing unhealthy emotional attachments to AI. Sarah, a single mum in Queensland, found AI therapy a lifeline when she could no longer afford traditional counselling.

Mundane Tasks Made Easier

For many, AI has simply become a handy helper for everyday chores. Readers say they use it to find recipes, plan meals, design home decor, or even guide mindfulness sessions. Kelly, an AI developer from NSW, built her own AI “life architect” to streamline decisions and save hours each week.

These real-life stories show that generative AI is reshaping how we learn, work, create, and cope — but also raising important questions about how much control we really have. How is AI changing your life? Share your story with us in the comments below.

Self-Powered Artificial Synapse Brings Human-Like Color Vision to Smart Devices

June 12, 2025

As artificial intelligence and smart technology continue to evolve, machine vision has become a cornerstone of modern innovation. Yet, current visual systems face a major roadblock — the need for massive computational power and energy to process visual data in real time. This is especially problematic for edge devices like smartphones, drones, and autonomous vehicles, which rely on lightweight, efficient processing.

Nature, however, offers a better model. The human eye doesn’t analyze every detail; instead, it filters out unnecessary data and processes visuals with remarkable accuracy using minimal power. Inspired by this, researchers have long sought to develop vision systems that mimic the human brain — a field known as neuromorphic computing. But two challenges have remained: enabling accurate color recognition and eliminating dependence on external power sources.

🔬 A Revolutionary Leap: Self-Powered Color-Sensing Synapse

Now, a research team led by Associate Professor Takashi Ikuno at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) has introduced a breakthrough device that could change the future of AI-powered vision. Featured in the May 2025 issue of Scientific Reports, the team unveiled a self-powered artificial synapse that mimics human color perception — and it doesn’t even need an external power supply.

Created by integrating dye-sensitized solar cells that respond differently to various wavelengths of light, the device converts sunlight into electricity. This self-sufficiency allows it to power itself while recognizing colors — a feature that is ideal for low-energy environments like wearable devices or mobile robotics.

🌈 Color Recognition That Rivals the Human Eye

The artificial synapse can distinguish color wavelengths with a resolution of 10 nanometers across the visible light spectrum. Even more impressively, it reacts differently to different colors — producing a positive voltage when exposed to blue light, and a negative voltage when exposed to red light. This dual functionality enables complex logical operations, potentially reducing the need for multiple components in traditional visual systems.

According to Dr. Ikuno, “This device shows real potential for next-gen AI systems that need accurate color recognition with minimal energy consumption.”

🤖 Real-World Testing: Recognizing Human Movement

To test the device in action, the researchers used it in a reservoir computing setup to classify human movements captured under red, green, and blue light. With just a single device, the system achieved 82% accuracy in recognizing 18 different movement and color combinations — performance comparable to more complex multi-sensor systems.

💡 Future Applications: From Autonomous Vehicles to Medical Sensors

This technology holds promise across many industries:

🚗 Autonomous vehicles: Improved recognition of traffic lights, road signs, and pedestrians with reduced power usage
🏥 Wearable healthcare: Monitor vitals like blood oxygen levels with almost zero battery consumption
📱 Consumer tech: Smarter AR/VR headsets and phones that use AI vision while preserving battery life

“We envision this technology leading to smarter, low-power optical sensors for self-driving cars, biometric monitoring, and portable recognition devices,” says Dr. Ikuno.

🔍 The Bottom Line

This self-powered artificial synapse marks a huge step forward in neuromorphic computing and smart vision systems. By combining solar-powered functionality with human-level color recognition, the researchers have opened the door to truly efficient, intelligent vision for edge devices.

As AI continues to merge with everyday life, technologies like this will help machines see the world just like we do — with clarity, efficiency, and a touch of nature’s brilliance.

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Meet SUPER: The Robot Bird That Flies Through Forests at 45 MPH — No GPS, No Light Required

June 12, 2025

Imagine a drone that can fly like a bird—darting between branches, dodging wires, and navigating dense forests at high speeds without GPS or light. It might sound like science fiction, but thanks to a team of researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), it’s now a reality.

Their latest innovation, the Safety-Assured High-Speed Aerial Robot (SUPER), is redefining what drones and micro air vehicles (MAVs) can do. Designed by Professor Fu Zhang and his team in HKU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, SUPER mimics the reflexes and agility of real birds—something traditional drones have long struggled to achieve.

🚀 What Makes SUPER So Unique?

Unlike most drones that rely on GPS, external maps, or preset paths, SUPER operates with complete independence. It uses only onboard sensors and processors to assess and respond to its environment. The result? A compact drone with a 280 mm wheelbase and just 1.5 kg of weight that can fly over 45 miles per hour (20+ m/s)—even through pitch-black forests.

Even more impressive: SUPER can detect and avoid objects as thin as 2.5 millimeters, like power lines or tiny twigs, all in real time. It’s essentially a flying robot with the eyes and instincts of a wild bird.

🧠 Built with Smart Tech: LIDAR + Real-Time Planning

At the heart of SUPER’s incredible capabilities is a lightweight 3D LIDAR sensor. It can detect obstacles up to 70 meters away and feeds that data to a smart planning system that creates two flight paths:

One that pushes speed by heading into unknown zones.
Another that plays it safe, keeping to areas free of obstacles.

This dual-path system allows SUPER to make instant decisions at high speeds, cutting down on computational delays that often slow down traditional drones.

🆘 Real-Life Applications: From Forests to Search-and-Rescue

SUPER isn't just a cool tech demo—it’s built for real-world impact. Its ability to function in complete darkness and in tightly packed environments makes it ideal for:

🧭 Search and rescue operations in forests or collapsed buildings
📦 Autonomous delivery to remote or disaster-struck areas
⚡ Power line inspections in hard-to-reach locations
🌲 Forest monitoring and environmental surveying
🗺️ Mapping and exploration of ancient ruins or urban infrastructure

As lead researcher Yunfan Ren explains, “The ability to avoid thin obstacles and navigate tight spaces opens up new possibilities—especially in critical missions where seconds can save lives.”

🌍 The Future of Bird-Like Drones

SUPER is a major leap forward in autonomous flight technology. By combining high-speed agility with advanced obstacle detection, it opens the door to a new generation of drones that don’t need GPS, light, or luck to find their way.

Whether it’s for emergency response, environmental science, or high-speed delivery, the future of drone tech is starting to look a lot like nature.

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