CYBER NEWS WRAP-UP: JANUARY 2026
Welcome everyone to the first cyber recap of the year! As we kick off 2026, it’s time to bring you a concise overview of the most important cybersecurity developments from January. The year may be new, but the cyber challenges will feel very familiar. January has already delivered a mix of uncomfortable audit findings, urgent patch alerts, and cyber incidents close to home.
Our Cyber News Wrap-Up is designed to save you time by pulling together the stories that matter most to Australian organisations right now. We have distilled the key facts from across government, vulnerability disclosures, and industry news so you can quickly understand what is happening, what is changing, and where attention may be needed next.
If any of these issues hit close to home, each summary includes a link to the full story so you can dive deeper and decide what action, if any, is required.
Governance
NSW Health Audit Finds Systemic Cyber Security Issues
A recent audit by the Audit Office of New South Wales revealed widespread non-compliance with mandated cybersecurity practices across multiple Local Health Districts. Key concerns included the absence of effective response plans, inadequate disaster recovery strategies, and poor alignment with the state’s cybersecurity policy. This exposes health systems to potential disruptions and data risks, reinforcing the need for stronger risk management frameworks across public health services.
New NSW Government Cyber Security Strategy Launched
The New South Wales government unveiled its updated Cyber Security Strategy for 2026, aimed at strengthening digital resilience across government agencies and critical infrastructure. The strategy outlines initiatives to improve threat detection, foster collaboration with industry partners, and embed robust security practices across public sector technology functions. It represents a proactive step toward addressing evolving cyber threats at the state level.
Read more: NSW government unveils new Cyber Security Strategy
Exploit Alerts
Critical Remote Code Execution Flaw in n8n Workflow Automation
A severe vulnerability was disclosed in the n8n workflow automation platform that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code. Users of the platform are strongly urged to review mitigation guidance and apply vendor patches immediately to prevent exploitation.
Actively Exploited Fortinet Vulnerability
Fortinet has confirmed that a critical security flaw affecting FortiOS, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer products is under active exploitation. Organisations using these solutions should prioritise updates to stop potential breaches that could lead to loss of control or data exposure.
Read mtiOS, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzerore: Update now! Fortinet discloses actively exploited critical flaw in For
Cisco Unified Communications Vulnerability Under Fire
Cisco warned of an actively exploited vulnerability in its Unified Communications software. Attackers are reportedly targeting systems to run arbitrary code, making patching and configuration updates urgent for affected deployments.
Read more: Cisco addresses Unified Communications vulnerability as active exploitation underway
Cyber News
Rise in Data Theft from Outgoing Employees
New policy proposals aim to bar “unethical” companies from winning government contracts if they have been found engaging in misconduct, fraud, or poor performance. This push reflects growing expectations for ethical behaviour, accountability, and security adherence among technology and service providers in public procurement.
Read more: ‘Unethical’ companies to be banned from govt contracts
Australian Gold Producer Confirms Cyber Attack
A major Australian gold producer reported a cyber attack affecting its operations. While details remain limited, the incident highlights that critical infrastructure and resource sectors remain attractive targets for cybercriminals, reinforcing the importance of mature incident response and recovery plans.
Read more: Exclusive: Major Australian gold producer confirms cyber attack
‘Unethical’ Firms to Face Government Contract Bans
Organisations are seeing an increase in data theft incidents involving departing employees taking sensitive information with them. The trend underscores the need for stronger insider threat controls, offboarding protocols, and data access restrictions to protect intellectual property and compliance obligations.
Read more: ‘Unethical’ companies to be banned from govt contracts
This month’s wrap-up highlights how quickly the cyber landscape continues to shift, from gaps in governance and oversight to vulnerabilities being exploited in real time and incidents affecting Australian organisations directly. These developments reinforce the importance of visibility, timely action, and ongoing review of security controls to ensure risks are identified and addressed before they escalate.
This article is just one part of a broader update designed to keep you informed and ahead of emerging risks. Elsewhere in this newsletter, you will find a curated view of three cyber events that matter in Australia this February, a spotlight feature on IRONSCALES and how modern email security is evolving, practical insight into MITRE ATT&CK and Essential Eight alignment, and a summary of recent solution updates and new features worth having on your radar as the threat landscape continues to shift.
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