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From Netflix to National Security: Why Your Entertainment Devices Are Hackers' Top Targets

This piece is freely available to read. Become a paid subscriber [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]today and help keep Mencari News financially afloat so that we can continue to pay our writers for their insight and expertise. A major new cybersecurity report reveals that the average connected home now faces 29 cyber attacks per day—nearly triple the rate from 2024. Researchers from Bitdefender and Netgear analyzed [https://blogapp.bitdefender.com/hotforsecurity/content/files/2025/10/2025_iot_security_report.pdf]over 13.6 billion attack attempts across 6 million households, finding that streaming devices, smart TVs, and security cameras account for more than half of all vulnerabilities. Most alarmingly, 99.4% of exploits target known security flaws that could be prevented through regular device updates, yet most consumers never install these critical patches. Five Key Bullet Points * Attack frequency tripled: Average connected homes experienced 29 cyber attacks daily in 2025, up from 10 per day in 2024, representing a 190% increase in just one year. * Entertainment devices most vulnerable: Streaming boxes, smart TVs, and IP cameras account for over 50% of detected vulnerabilities due to cheap manufacturing, outdated firmware, and internet-facing configurations. * Pre-compromised devices sold online: The Badbox botnet infected over one million Android-based streaming devices with malware installed at the factory before consumers ever purchased them. * Record-breaking attack scale: A September 2025 DDoS attack reached 22.2 terabits per second using compromised consumer routers, demonstrating how home devices fuel large-scale cyber operations. * Critical infrastructure at risk: Researchers discovered hackers could weaponize poorly secured solar inverters to destabilize power grids, blurring the line between home security and national infrastructure protection. Detailed Synopsis New research from cybersecurity firms Bitdefender and Netgear has exposed an alarming escalation in smart home vulnerabilities, tracking 13.6 billion attack attempts across 6 million households in the United States, Europe, and Australia during the first ten months of 2025. The findings reveal that the average connected home—now containing approximately 22 devices including phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, plugs, and thermostats—faces 29 cyber attacks daily, a nearly threefold increase from the previous year’s average of 10 attacks per day. The report identifies entertainment and security devices as the primary attack vectors, with streaming boxes, smart TVs, and IP cameras collectively representing more than half of all detected vulnerabilities. These devices prove particularly susceptible due to several converging factors: mass production using generic Android firmware with minimal security oversight, extended consumer usage periods (often seven years for televisions) that far exceed manufacturers’ typical two-year security update windows, and internet-facing configurations that prioritize remote access convenience over robust protection. Attack methodologies predominantly involve automated bots systematically scanning internet-connected devices for exploitable weaknesses. The study found that 99.4% of successful exploits targeted known vulnerabilities—security flaws that manufacturers had already identified and patched—but which remained unaddressed because consumers failed to install firmware updates or continued using devices no longer receiving manufacturer support. The research highlights two particularly concerning developments in the threat landscape. First, the Badbox botnet operation compromised over one million Android-based devices through pre-installed malware embedded at the manufacturing stage, primarily affecting inexpensive streaming boxes and projectors sold through online marketplaces. Consumers unknowingly integrated these compromised devices into criminal networks upon initial setup, with no opportunity for detection or prevention. Second, a record-breaking distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack in September 2025 achieved 22.2 terabits per second—equivalent to simultaneously streaming one million 4K movies—demonstrating the devastating potential of weaponized consumer devices. This attack utilized the Isuru botnet, composed primarily of unpatched consumer routers coordinated into a massive attack infrastructure. Beyond individual privacy concerns, the research underscores emerging national security implications. Cybersecurity experts demonstrated that coordinated exploitation of poorly secured solar inverters—devices that convert solar panel output for grid integration—could potentially destabilize entire power distribution systems. German authorities have already issued warnings about this vulnerability, illustrating how inadequate home device security creates systemic infrastructure risks affecting entire communities. Researchers recommend three primary mitigation strategies: maintaining current firmware on all connected devices, replacing devices no longer receiving manufacturer security updates, and deploying network-level security solutions through routers capable of identifying and blocking threats before they reach individual devices. What Readers Will Learn Readers will gain critical understanding of the rapidly evolving cybersecurity threat landscape targeting residential networks and connected devices. The article provides concrete data on attack frequency and scale, explains why specific device categories face heightened vulnerability, and clarifies the mechanisms through which consumer electronics become weaponized in large-scale cyber operations. Readers will learn to identify high-risk devices in their own homes, understand the difference between theoretical and actively exploited vulnerabilities, and recognize the broader societal implications of inadequate personal device security. The piece translates complex technical concepts—including botnets, DDoS attacks, and firmware vulnerabilities—into accessible explanations while providing actionable guidance for improving home network security. Additionally, readers will understand how their personal technology decisions intersect with national infrastructure protection, fostering awareness of cybersecurity as both an individual and collective responsibility. Stay informed on Australia’s evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com/] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari’s Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com/]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Growing majority of Australians believe AI creates more problems than it solves

This piece is freely available to read. Become a paid subscriber [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]today and help keep Mencari News financially afloat so that we can continue to pay our writers for their insight and expertise. Australians are increasingly concerned about artificial intelligence [https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/10048-ai-press-release-october-2025](AI), with 65% believing that AI creates more problems than it solves, up 8% points since 2023. One in four Australians believe AI presents a risk of human extinction in the next twenty years, up from 20% in 2023. Women, older Australians, and regional Australians are more sceptical of AI than men, with 69% of women compared to 61% of men believing that overall, AI creates more problems than it solves.By age, Australians aged 35-49 are the least sceptical, with 62% saying AI creates more problems, while older Australians aged 65+ are the most sceptical at 68%. Australians living in urban areas (63%) are less sceptical than those in regional areas (69%). Across the states, scepticism is strongest in South Australia (73%) and Tasmania (71%), compared with New South Wales (63%) and Victoria (64%). Queensland (66%) and Western Australia (66%) align closely with the national average of 65% who believe AI creates more problems than it solves.Personal perspectives show slightly more positive views, but scepticism still dominates. Nationally, the share saying AI creates more problems than it solves falls from 65% to 61%, reflecting a modest softening of attitudes. Men show the largest improvement, with scepticism dropping from 61% to 55%, while women fall from 69% to 66%. Concern is highest among 25–34-year-olds (32%), followed by 35–49 (26%), 50–64 (25%), 18–24 (22%), and 65+ (21%).Australians are increasingly concerned about the potential benefits of AI, particularly in health and science. While AI has shown promise in faster discoveries and earlier disease detection, concerns have been raised about its impact on critical thinking, creativity, accuracy, environmental impact, misinformation, job loss, and economic displacement.The Roy Morgan Snap SMS Survey revealed that Australians believe that AI solves more problems than it creates, with lost thinking skills, inaccuracy, and environmental harm being the top reasons. Many Australians fear that AI will weaken independent thought, creativity, and learning, especially among young people who may rely on it to think for them. Accuracy and ‘Hallucinations’ are also concerns, as respondents describe AI as unreliable and often incorrect.Environmental impact is another growing concern, with Australians citing the power, water, and emissions burden of vast data centres. Misinformation and deepfakes are also a concern, with many distrusting AI for blurring truth and fabrication, spreading scams, and making it impossible to tell what’s real online.In terms of personal concerns, Australians believe that AI creates more problems than it solves, with accuracy issues, job threats, misinformation, dependency, laziness, privacy, and surveillance risks being key concerns. However, work automation, productivity, and information access are considered key benefits by Australians.In conclusion, while AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, it is crucial for Australians to carefully consider its potential impacts and ensure that it is used responsibly and responsibly.Australians are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI, with 65% believing that AI creates more problems than it solves. This sentiment is fueled by the rapid change in the world, with many citing AI’s breakthroughs in medicine and research as proof of its positive impact on humanity. However, Roy Morgan’s Snap SMS Survey shows that a significant number of Australians still feel that AI creates more problems than it solves.The survey, conducted by Roy Morgan, found that 65% of Australians believe that AI creates more problems than it solves, up 8% points since 2023. Women (69%) are more sceptical than men (61%). The gap between optimism and anxiety highlights a national tension: Australians are eager to harness the power of AI but remain deeply aware that its success depends on trust, transparency, and human oversight.A surprising one in four Australians now see artificial intelligence as a potential existential risk within twenty years, up 5% points since 2023. This shift highlights growing public awareness that the future of AI is not just a technological question but a moral and societal one.Roy Morgan, Australia’s largest independent Australian research company, has over 80 years of experience collecting objective, independent information on consumers. The margin of error for any estimate depends mainly on the number of interviews on which it is based. The study also provides demographic breakdowns for Age, Sex, State, Region (Capital Cities/Country), Generations, Lifecycle, Socio-Economic Scale, Work Status, Occupation, Home Ownership, Voting Intention, Roy Morgan Value Segments, Helix Personas, Media Consumption, and more. Stay informed on Australia’s evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com/] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari’s Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com/]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Global Scams on the Rise: Over Half of Adults Worldwide Report Scam Encounters, 23% Lost Money

This piece is freely available to read. Become a paid subscriber [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]today and help keep Mencari News financially afloat so that we can continue to pay our writers for their insight and expertise. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) [https://stats.nwe.io/x/html?final=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2FzYS5vcmcv&sig=Pmsv063tXmxOYfICgPzSK8_pSBj1RwIQJ8TbnjAwdt-ynYocNZk_I8FUOzBLrMZDWnP-Gj7WUyz8HdLQg4Bzng&hit%2Csum=WyI1MzQxYTgiLCI1MzQxYTkiLCI1MzQxYWEiXQ], in partnership with Feedzai [https://stats.nwe.io/x/html?final=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmVlZHphaS5jb20v&sig=scSceeZmbuua-RMHFGwDKGIfz1aNaDFdUdWzxNrEp9ttnLmGog88VHfKTxoga-jcBH3-9_PjeMdvGr2uvCAkmw&hit%2Csum=WyI1MzQxYWIiLCI1MzQxYWMiLCI1MzQxYWEiXQ], has released the Global State of Scams 2025 Report. Based on a survey of 46,000 adults across 42 markets, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, impact, and policy challenges of scams worldwide. GASA’s Global State of Scams In the past 12 months, 57 percent of adults worldwide experienced a scam and 23 percent lost money. Shopping scams affected 54 percent of victims, while investment scams and unexpected money scams each impacted 48 percent. Scam encounters were most frequent in South America, Africa, and Oceania, where up to one in four adults lost money in the last year. The research also highlights the emotional toll of scams. 69 percent of victims reported (huge) stress as a result, while 17 percent reported a loss of confidence and 14 percent said scams created heightened tension within their family unit. Despite this, many scams remain unreported, with uncertainty over where to report being the main barrier. 93% of adults globally claim to take at least one step to verify if an offer is legitimate or not. However, many often rely on methods that are less effective such as checking for spelling and grammar errors (27%); looking for reviews on the same website (24%) and checking if the company is on social media (21%). Despite nearly three quarters of adults globally feeling confident in their ability to recognise a scam, scams remain prevalent, with many scam victims losing money and a significant proportion never reporting their encounters. Jorij Abraham [https://stats.nwe.io/x/html?final=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL2pvcmlqYWJyYWhhbS8&sig=ujMXmbiM2VifZJr9IY5NSAo8xWBY-Pn6VkGKF799-4UQRPZWkO9hOy6iw5DXhyS5LlzJCCV02ad74X3ZDSOv5g&hit%2Csum=WyI1MzQxYWQiLCI1MzQxYWUiLCI1MzQxYWEiXQ], Managing Director of GASA, comments: “We have a huge challenge, 73 percent of people worldwide feel confident they can recognize scams, however, nearly a quarter still lost money in the past year. Scams are not only draining finances but also eroding trust and creating significant stress within families. We are learning that scam awareness campaigns alone are not enough. We need to continuously educate consumers, build better solutions to recognize and block (AI) scams and work internationally closer to get to catch the scammers. “Fraud isn’t just about transactions anymore. It’s about intent. Criminals are exploiting trust, behavior, and technology in real time. Stopping them takes more than spotting anomalies; it takes understanding human patterns. No single bank or payment provider can do that alone. The only way forward is collaboration across financial institutions and cybersecurity teams. That’s how we protect consumers everywhere.” adds Nuno Sebastião [https://stats.nwe.io/x/html?final=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL251bm9zZWJhc3RpYW8v&sig=XIcJV3AvSgkVYRTQhs-YFiSOzWYOLc7VSgY6GhCoejv6dy9pPp2kMvmu867-VlbothZNDhsJrHcDicL18H3EsA&hit%2Csum=WyI1MzQxYWYiLCI1MzQxYWciLCI1MzQxYWEiXQ], CEO, Feedzai The Global State of Scams 2025 Report emphasizes that scams are no longer isolated crimes but a global threat to consumer safety, financial stability, and trust in digital economies. GASA and Feedzai call for stronger international collaboration, better scam prevention tools, and accountability across platforms, governments, and industries. The full report can be downloaded here: https://www.gasa.org/research [https://stats.nwe.io/x/html?final=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2FzYS5vcmcvcmVzZWFyY2g&sig=6y33P0Vt6oygaSDBJLch9yRE7Hiw_nxXIQU__2ZDJaWtyKWbONzAIU9p5M1GSAHvkd3vZLK7lx9skkmqwrdLQg&hit%2Csum=WyI1MzQxYWgiLCI1MzQxYWkiLCI1MzQxYWEiXQ] Stay informed on Australia’s evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com/] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari’s Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com/]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Deforestation Increases Flood Risk Eightfold, Study Finds

This piece is freely available to read. Become a paid subscriber [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]today and help keep Mencari News financially afloat so that we can continue to pay our writers for their insight and expertise. New research published [https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02748-6]in Communications Earth & Environment demonstrates that major deforestation can increase the probability of catastrophic flooding by as much as 700%, transforming rare flood events from once-in-64-year occurrences to once-in-8-year events. The peer-reviewed study, led by Professor Ashish Sharma of UNSW Sydney’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, analyzed [https://journalists.medianet.com.au/Release/1034851/7151442] decades of hydrological data from 21 monitoring stations across 25,000 square kilometers of Australian forest affected by mega fires between 2003 and 2009, providing empirical evidence for a correlation scientists have theorized since the 17th century but struggled to prove conclusively. The research employed a state-controlled experimental design that isolated forest loss as the primary variable by comparing flood frequencies in identical catchment areas before and after fire-induced deforestation, while controlling for climate patterns including El Niño, La Niña, and other confounding meteorological factors. Researchers utilized more than 50 years of meticulously maintained streamflow data from Australia’s Hydrologic Reference Station network—watersheds specifically monitored for minimal anthropogenic influence—enabling them to demonstrate statistical significance with a p-value of 0.006. The study found that forest canopy, fallen leaves, and root-zone soils collectively intercept 10-30% of rainfall through evapotranspiration, and when this multi-layered absorption capacity is removed, water reaches soil saturation levels dramatically faster, particularly across large-scale watersheds spanning hundreds or thousands of square kilometers. The findings carry significant implications for the estimated 4 billion people globally who depend on forested headwater catchments for freshwater, including more than 100 million residing in flood-risk zones across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. With global deforestation proceeding at approximately 100,000 square kilometers annually and climate change intensifying wildfire frequency and severity, the research suggests cascading hydrological impacts may fundamentally alter regional flood risk assessments. The study provides quantitative validation for historical observations linking deforestation to increased flooding, from post-French Revolution France to the upper Amazon following 1960s development, where once-in-20-year floods now occur biennially. Professor Sharma emphasized that the research demonstrates forest clearance itself—independent of subsequent land conversion to impervious surfaces—significantly elevates flood risk through reduced rainfall interception capacity. “If deforestation is happening, then there should be strong consideration for planning rules or regulations regarding habitats downstream, to reduce the enhanced danger they will face from flooding,” Sharma stated, noting that if forest removal proves necessary for development, it should be restricted to areas without vulnerable downstream populations. The study’s co-authors include Dr. Tae-Ho Kang of South Korea’s K-water Institute, Professor Lucy Marshall of the University of Sydney, and Professor Young-Oh Kim of Seoul National University. Stay informed on Australia’s evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. [http://readmencari.com/] Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence. As well as knowing you’re keeping MENCARI alive, you’ll also get: * Get breaking news AS IT HAPPENS - Gain instant access to our real-time coverage and analysis when major stories break, keeping you ahead of the curve * Unlock our COMPLETE content library - Enjoy unlimited access to every newsletter, podcast episode, and exclusive archive—all seamlessly available in your favorite podcast apps. * Join the conversation that matters - Be part of our vibrant community with full commenting privileges on all content, directly supporting Mencari’s Stay with readmencari.com [http://readmencari.com/]for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox! MENCARI - Delivered fearless reporting to you is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Got a News Tip? Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343f323023383f342622113a303f3630233e3e3734233f7f3024], X Direct Message [https://twitter.com/realmikosantos?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/micosantos/?utm_source=mencari.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=consumers-and-businesses-warned-of-potential-scams-following-crowdstrike-outage], or email [https://www.readmencari.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f8f0fbf6f4e7fcfbf0e2e6d5fef4fbf2f4e7fafaf3f0e7fbbbf4e0]. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos. More on Mencari * Mencari [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]—for breaking and updated news around Australia and the world. * Podwires Daily [https://www.joinpodwires.com/]—for providing news about audio trends and podcasts. * There’s a Glitch [https://redwiresau.substack.com/s/theres-a-glitch]—updated tech news and scam and fraud trends * Viewpoint 360 [https://theeveningpostaustralia.com/s/viewpoint-360] - An investigative report based on evidence , produced in collaboration with 360info. * Part8A [https://redwiresau.substack.com/podcast]Podcast features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readmencari.com/subscribe [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Young Australians Increasingly View Retail Theft as Justifiable

This piece is freely available to read. Become a paid subscriber [https://www.readmencari.com/subscribe]today and help keep Mencari News financially afloat so that we can continue to pay our writers for their insight and expertise. More than half of young Australians believe retail theft is justifiable to some degree, according to a new Monash University study that reveals a stark generational divide in attitudes toward shoplifting and retail crime [https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/4136925/2025_Consumer-Deviance_Spotlight_Final.pdf]. The Consumer Deviance Spotlight report, which surveyed 1,047 Australian shoppers in June 2025, found that 54 percent of consumers aged 18-34 consider taking items without paying justifiable under certain circumstances—compared to just 7 percent of those 55 and older. The research identified widespread acceptance of behaviors traditionally considered theft, including not scanning items at self-checkout (32 percent found justifiable), scanning expensive items as cheaper alternatives (36 percent), and changing price tags (30 percent). Beyond outright theft, the study revealed even more permissive attitudes toward “grey area” behaviors like lying about competitor prices to secure discounts (64 percent) and staying silent when undercharged (60 percent). Lead researcher Stephanie Atto from Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies unit said the findings reflect growing concerns about retail crime, which has reached a 21-year high in Australia. ABS data shows 595,660 theft victims nationally in 2024—a 6 percent increase from the previous year, with nearly half occurring in retail settings. While most respondents acknowledged these behaviors are illegal, there’s an increasing gap between legal understanding and ethical justification, particularly among younger demographics facing cost-of-living pressures. The study comes as retailers escalate efforts to combat retail crime through enhanced security measures, technology investments, and calls for consistent national crime laws. However, researchers warn that enforcement alone may not address the underlying cultural shift, suggesting the problem requires tackling root causes including economic inequality and perceptions of corporate profiteering that drive consumers to rationalize theft as acceptable behavior. Stay informed on Australia’s evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis. Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive! 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