Ransomware hackers hit Australian defence communications platform

Hackers have targeted a communications platform used by Australian military personnel and defence staff with a ransomware attack, authorities said on Monday, as the country battles a recent spike in cyberattacks across businesses.

The ForceNet service, one of the external providers the defence department contracts to run its websites, has come under attack but so far no data have been compromised, assistant minister For Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said.