Crimes Legislation Amendment (Ransomware Action Plan) 2022

# Crimes Legislation Amendment (Ransomware Action Plan) Bill 2022 ## What it does This bill toughens Australia's laws against ransomware attacks – where criminals lock up your data and demand payment to unlock it. It expands when Australian courts can prosecute ransomware offenders, even if the attack happens overseas, and gives police stronger powers to seize money and cryptocurrency used by criminals. ## Why it matters Ransomware has become a major threat to hospitals, businesses and councils. This law closes loopholes that let overseas attackers escape Australian prosecution and makes it harder for criminals to hide their profits. ## Key details - **Broader reach**: Australian courts can now prosecute ransomware attacks that happen entirely overseas if the attacker is an Australian citizen, the victim is in Australia, or the attack causes damage here – even if the criminal was sitting in another country when they did it. - **Digital asset seizure**: Police get new powers to seize cryptocurrency and other digital assets criminals use to collect ransom payments, not just traditional bank accounts. - **Comes into force immediately**: The law takes effect the day after it gets Royal Assent (approval from the Governor-General), so there's no waiting period.