AFP moves to protect thousands of Optus customers whose data was released online

The Australian Federal Police has launched an operation to protect more than 10,000 Optus data breach victims whose details were leaked online, as cyber investigators try to identify those responsible. Key points: Police will seek to identify those who had their data leaked online The financial services industry is increasing its monitoring for suspicious banking activity And the federal government says Optus confirmed it will pay the costs for affected customers who wish to replace their passports That announcement comes as Prime Minster Anthony Albanese said Optus had confirmed to him it would cover the costs of replacement passports for all customers affected by the breach. Justine Gough, Assistant Commissioner for cyber command at the AFP, said the customers affected by the breach would receive "multi-jurisdictional and multi-layered protection from identity crime and financial fraud". "The 10,000 individuals who potentially had 100 points of identification released online will be prioritised," Assistant Commissioner Gough said.