The week in digital: ASD’s new Essentials, a Windows cut-off and hijacked Shopify checkouts
ASD’s Essentials replaces the Essential Eight, Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro updates end, Shopify checkouts hijacked, telco penalties rise and Gemini 4 Argon.
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Spy-linked ads reached Australian government, power and nuclear research networks, Citizen Lab finds
Citizen Lab says Discover-Tech’s ads tracked devices and delivered spyware to some targets, and reached Australian networks. How to block ads and ad IDs.
Android is adding Gemini scam checks to Google Messages and hiding bank details during screen sharing
Google is adding an opt-in Gemini scam mode to Google Messages, link checks, screen-share privacy in Chrome and call-forwarding blocks. What Australians get.
ASD has launched the Essentials, the successor to the Essential Eight. What changes for your business
ASD’s new Essentials framework drops maturity levels for priority phases and adds a cloud chapter. What it means if you use the Essential Eight now.
Ivanti VPN attacks: a fully patched Connect Secure was broken into, and one flaw is still open
Attackers chained Ivanti Connect Secure flaws to take over a fully patched VPN. Install the 13 October fix and ask for a compromise check, not just a patch.
New telco laws bring bigger penalties, a provider register and a promise of outdoor mobile coverage almost everywhere
The ACMA welcomes laws that raise telco penalties, create a provider register and set up the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation. What changes, and when.
WhatsApp calls can now include people who don’t have WhatsApp
WhatsApp users can now send a call link to anyone, who joins from a desktop browser with just a name. How guest calls work, their limits and the privacy controls.
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Booking software for Australian clinics and salons compared
Fresha, Timely, Square Appointments, Nookal and Halaxy compared on published Australian prices, card fees, SMS costs, deposits and Medicare claiming.
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How to set up a shared business inbox without sharing a password
Microsoft 365 shared mailboxes and Google Workspace shared inboxes let a team answer info@ or accounts@ from their own logins. Here is how to set each up.
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How to back up Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data
Recycle bins and admin restores in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace run out in weeks or a few months. What each keeps, and how to add a real backup.
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Your turn
Quiz archiveThe weekly quiz
How closely did you follow the week?
Question 1 of 5
What does ASD’s new Essentials framework use instead of the Essential Eight’s maturity levels?
Show answer
Answer: A. Priority phases
The Essentials replaces maturity levels with priority phases, the order in which ASD recommends tackling each domain. ASD calls them a sequencing mechanism, not a rating.
Question 2 of 5
Which Windows 11 versions does Microsoft recommend moving to now that 24H2 Home and Pro updates have ended?
Show answer
Answer: C. Version 26H2 or 25H2
Microsoft says Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro reached end of updates on 13 October 2026 (US time) and recommends moving to version 26H2 or 25H2.
Read the story: Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro have had their last security update. Check your PCs
Question 3 of 5
When the telco consumer safeguards bill was introduced, what did the government say the maximum general penalty would rise to?
Show answer
Answer: B. About $10 million
The Minister said the maximum general penalty for breaching industry codes and standards would rise from $250,000 to approximately $10 million, with more possible in some cases.
Question 4 of 5
Which Google plans get Gemini 4 Argon in the Gemini app?
Show answer
Answer: D. AI Pro and AI Ultra
Google says Argon is rolling out to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. Free accounts and AI Plus don’t get it.
Read the story: Gemini 4 Argon is out, but in the Gemini app it needs Google’s A$32.99 plan or above
Question 5 of 5
What simple test can a Shopify merchant run to check for a hijacked checkout?
Show answer
Answer: C. Open a private browser window, add an item and click checkout
Developer Roman Zipp recommends opening a private (incognito) window, adding an item to the cart, clicking checkout and confirming you land on your real checkout.
A new quiz comes out every Friday with the briefing. Get the Friday briefing by email
Reader poll of the week
Have you checked whether any of your PCs are still on Windows 11 24H2 Home or Pro?
Reader polls aren’t scientific: they show how readers who chose to vote answered. One vote per reader. Background: Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro have had their last security update. Check your PCs