Australians worry about hacking, disinformation & security

A new study by Ipsos has uncovered Australians' views on global conflicts and threats, revealing significant concerns about hacking and disinformation.

The survey, conducted across 30 countries for the Halifax International Security Forum, highlighted that a majority of Australians perceive being hacked for fraudulent or espionage purposes as the greatest threat, with 80% recognising it as a very real or somewhat real threat.

Following this, 76% of Australians identified the spreading of disinformation by individuals, organisations, or countries as a major concern. Other notable threats include the possibility of a nuclear or chemical attack and major natural disasters, each noted by 75% of respondents.

Additionally, the perceived threat of terrorist attacks in Australia has risen by 10 percentage points from 2023, with 71% now viewing it as a real threat. Similarly, fears of violent conflict between ethnic or minority groups have increased by nine percentage points to 67% this year.

David Elliott, Deputy Managing Director of Ipsos Public Affairs Australia, commented on the findings, stating, "The findings of this recent Ipsos Global Survey are consistent with a number of our other studies which show Australians are finding the economic situation in Australia very difficult at the moment, and with this comes a tendency to turn our gaze inward and seek a greater focus on domestic issues."

He added, "The other findings that stand out are the increase in the perceived threat of terrorist attacks in Australia, which was up 10 points on 2023, and a violent conflict breaking out between ethnic or minority groups in Australia, up nine points on 2023. These increases are in line with ASIO's returning of Australia's National Terrorism Threat Level from 'Possible' to 'Probable' in August this year."

"In fact, they are in line with the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's press conference at the time, as he explained that this increase threat level was more domestic than international in nature, due to a greater number of Australians embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies."

The survey also explored Australians' perspectives on international affairs. It found that eight in ten Australians believe the nation should concentrate more on domestic issues given the current economic challenges. Other findings showed that 56% of Australians think Ukraine should persist until achieving full victory, which includes expelling Russia from its territories.

Interestingly, the priority of economic power over military might in global affairs has declined by 14 percentage points to 60% this year. Correspondingly, there is a reduced inclination towards increased military spending, with 53% advocating for it, down from 65% in 2023.

Seven in ten Australians believe free trade remains beneficial, although this sentiment has decreased by 14 percentage points compared to last year.

The Ipsos survey gathered opinions from 22,989 adults globally between September 20th and October 4th, 2024, with approximately 1,000 respondents from Australia. This research aimed to reflect the demographic profile of each country's adult population, and the findings provide insights into public attitudes towards security and international policies amidst pressing economic and domestic challenges.