SBS News In Depth

Why do outdated password rules persist? Experts explain the history, research and barriers to change.

Password rules were meant to make us safer, but the experts behind them now question whether they work. This episode traces the history of passwords, explores why complexity requirements persist despite updated guidance, and reveals what security researchers say people should be doing instead.

In this episode:
The NIST manager whose password advice shaped modern security explains why he later regretted key recommendations.
How passwords evolved from early computer systems into a source of frustration for billions of users.
Research suggests stricter password rules may not improve security and can encourage risky workarounds.
Why organisations are slow to abandon outdated password requirements, even after standards change.
The practical strategies experts recommend today, including password managers, passphrases and smarter ways to judge password strength.

Microgravity, plants in space and improved personalised medicine - the global competition on space research ramps up.

The International Space Station is a popular attraction for astronomy fans in Australia, who sometimes gather during the twilight hours to spot what looks like a bright, fast-moving star gliding steadily across the sky. Now, Australia is also connected to the ISS via some important research taking place on the floating laboratory that is in permanent orbit around the Earth.

In this episode:
The new crew at the International Space Station who want to advance new lines of scientific research.
The many experiments undertaken by the scientists and what they hope, including:
Using microgravity to produce human stell-cell derived tissuesto improve personal medicine
How plants respond to microgravity and other stressful space conditions
Australia's part in the International Space Station's mission
The US and China space race.
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

A UN expert discusses rising executions in Iran, protest-linked death sentences, and concerns over due process.

As World Day Against the Death Penalty approaches, UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and an academic at Birkbeck University, Dr Mai Sato talks to SBS Persian's Niv Sadrolodabee and discusses rising executions in Iran, including an increase in national security cases linked to protests. She examines concerns over fair trials, public executions, international pressure and efforts to halt death sentences.

In this episode:
Why executions linked to national security charges have increased following nationwide protests.
Dr Mai Sato's concerns about the trial and execution of Alireza Sepahi, including allegations of torture and due process failures.
What public executions could signal, and why some people reportedly gathered to oppose them.
Cases highlighted ahead of World Day Against the Death Penalty, including prisoners still facing execution.
Whether international pressure, UN engagement and legal reforms could help reduce executions in Iran.

Advocates are focusing on the importance of social connection for well being as Mental Health Month gets underway.

Language barriers, low mental health literacy and difficulties navigating service systems can all make accessing mental health support harder for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This Mental Health Month, the focus is on promoting awareness and reducing stigma.

In this episode:
Chinese elders speak about the benefits of visiting their local community centre.
A new mental health survey shows only 21 per cent of Australians feel connected to others.
About a third say they feel less connected to others compared to a decade ago.
Advocates say culturally and linguistically diverse groups may also face additional challenges in accessing support, including language barriers, low mental health literacy and difficulties navigating service systems.
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

The ATO’s credit card tax payment ban is delayed after backlash, but businesses say bigger cost pressures remain.

After fierce criticism from small businesses, the federal government has delayed the ATO’s planned ban on credit card tax payments. Why did the tax office want the change, what does the reprieve mean for businesses managing cash flow, and why do many say the underlying problem remains unresolved?
Why the ATO planned to stop accepting credit card payments on tax bills and the cost it says is driving the decision.
How small business owners say the proposed change could affect cash flow and day-to-day survival.
The government’s intervention to delay the ban and the debate over whether that goes far enough.
How recent payment system reforms and the end of credit card surcharges are affecting businesses and consumers.
Why industry groups warn that rising costs, fees and compliance pressures are continuing to squeeze small businesses.