Why this quality ASX ETF is back in focus today

With cyberattacks increasing each year, cyber defenders have their work cut out.

Bernd Struben

Author bio Bernd Struben earned his BA in economics from the University of Michigan in 1991, with post-graduate studies in environmental economics at the University of Connecticut. Over the years he’s written about and analysed the tourism industry in the Caribbean; Europe’s commercial real estate markets; and, since moving to Australia in 2010, global and Aussie share markets. Bernd studies geopolitical and macroeconomic trends, alongside sector and company specific data, to gauge what he believes could be tomorrow's best investments. In his free time, you might find Bernd at the beach with his family or working on his next science fiction novel. Areas of expertise Australian and global share markets Macroeconomic and geopolitical trends Real estate Education Economics, University of Michigan Favorite investment quote "The four most dangerous words in investing are: 'This time it's different." — Sir John Templeton

Published June 1, 2021 1:18 pm AEST

The Betashares Global Cybersecurity Etf (ASX: HACK) is back in the spotlight today as yet another major cyber breach strikes the globe.

The exchange traded fund (ETF) offers ASX ETF investors exposure to 40 of the world's leading cybersecurity shares.

Cisco Systems Inc (NASDAQ: CSCO) is HACK's largest holding (6.7%), followed by Accenture Plc (NYSE: ACN) (6.3%) at number 2 and Crowdstrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: CRWD) (5.8%) at number 3.

So, what's the latest hack we're referring to?

falling telco asx share price represented by mobile phone displaying security breach — Image Source: Getty Images

Meat lovers…you may wish to look away

The latest hacking attack will come as particularly bad news to Aussie meat lovers, who could find themselves shelling out a good bit more for their next barbecue favourites.

As the Daily Mail Australia (via MSN) reports:

Australian authorities are part of an international hunt for cyber criminals who've shut down the nation's largest meat and food processing company, JBS Foods. JBS facilities in other countries have also been hit in a cyber attack that could affect meat supply chains world wide.

JBS Foods has 47 facilities across Australia, which include feedlots and abattoirs.

Addressing the cyberattack on ABC Radio, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said, "The technology they use goes to the heart of the quality assurance of the beef they are processing."

While speculation is rampant, the perpetrators of the latest hack have not yet been officially identified.

Until the issue is resolved, thousands of Australian workers in the meat industry will be stood down without pay.

How has this ASX ETF performed?

Despite a sharp year-on-year increase in cyberattacks, HACK has underperformed the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) over the full year. In the past 12 months, the HACK share price is up 5% compared to a 24% gain on the All Ords.

Year-to-date, ASX ETF's shares are down a slender 0.5%.

Longer-term, since its inception in September 2016, HACK shares have gained 73%, more than double the 35% gains made by the All Ords in that same time.

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