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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Your iPhone has a scam check that’s switched off. Here’s how to turn it on
iOS 27 can warn your banking and other apps when it looks like a scammer is pressuring you. It’s off by default, and only works in apps that support it.
AI hacking agents are trying to break into Australian online stores
Criminals are sending AI agents to probe online stores in Australia, the US and Japan for hours at a time. About one try in ten works. Here’s what to check.
Google is testing ads in AI Mode for people who connect Gmail
Google now says what it learns from your connected Gmail may be used to show you ads in AI Mode. What it uses, what it doesn’t, and how to switch it off.
Hackers are taking over old Plex servers. Check your version now
Plex says attackers are widely exploiting older Plex Media Server versions to run crypto miners and proxy software. How to check, update and clean up.
Is Google Workspace Business Standard worth double the Starter price?
Business Standard costs twice as much as Starter in Australia. What the extra money buys, from Google’s own pages, and who should pay for it.
Safari 27 now blocks trackers that turn email addresses into ad IDs. What it means for your sign-up forms and ads
Apple’s WebKit team says Safari 27 blocks identity resolution services that turn email addresses entered on websites into tracking IDs. Here’s who it affects.
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Business phones on the NBN: what VoIP costs depend on, and what to check before you rely on it
NBN phone lines are VoIP, and most stop in a blackout. What to check on power, Triple Zero, number porting, alarms and EFTPOS, and how to compare plan costs.
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Is your payroll software ready for Payday Super? What to check
Payday Super depends on your payroll software reporting qualifying earnings and paying super through SuperStream. The settings and questions to check now.
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Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks for a sole trader? Published Australian prices compared
Xero Ignite, MYOB Solo and Lite, and QuickBooks Simple Start compared on published Australian prices, invoice limits, BAS lodgement and payroll costs.
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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