Nearly 10 million Australians’ data possibly compromised in hack
2 years, 6 months ago

Nearly 10 million Australians’ data possibly compromised in hack

Al Jazeera  

Optus chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin says “sophisticated” actor was behind the cyberattack. Sensitive information about almost 10 million Australian telecoms subscribers may have been compromised by a substantial hack of the country’s second-largest provider, the firm Optus revealed Friday. Chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said a “sophisticated” actor was behind a cyberattack, which gained access to information about up to 9.8 million users. “We don’t yet know who these attackers are and what they want to do with this information.” The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warned Australians who were potentially affected — a number that matches almost half the country’s population — that they could be at risk of identity theft.

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History of this topic

Court filings reveal inner workings of alleged hackers accused of the ShinyHunters data breach
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Court filings reveal inner workings of alleged hackers accused of the ShinyHunters data breach

ABC  

Court documents in the arrest of two men accused of being associated with an international hacking syndicate have revealed how they allegedly got access to "billions" of sensitive customer records. "Moucka, Binns and their co-conspirators accessed and obtained data from at least 10 different organisations' Cloud Computing Instances using stolen access credentials," the indictment said. "The co-conspirators … used software …

Puducherry cyber wing bust major online scam
7 months ago

Puducherry cyber wing bust major online scam

The Hindu  

The Puducherry Cyber Police have busted a multi-crore online scam that duped a large number of unsuspecting investors across India and arrested seven persons in this connection. Investigators believe this to be merely the tip of the iceberg and have already collected details on 1,57,346 potential victims across India through the websites of Global Software Solution, Algo Master trading, and …

Cybercrime expert 'very confident' the MediSecure data of almost 13 million Australians has already been sold
8 months, 1 week ago

Cybercrime expert 'very confident' the MediSecure data of almost 13 million Australians has already been sold

ABC  

Cybersecurity experts say the highly sensitive data of 12.9 million Australians, stolen from eScripts provider MediSecure, has already been sold on the dark web and is up for sale again. "Basically what they're saying is, 'We have sold this to one person, so we're going to lower the price from the original $50,000 to $25,000'," Jamie O'Reilly, founder of Australian …

Shadowy hacker claims he has data of 375 million Airtel users, Airtel says no breach in its systems
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Shadowy hacker claims he has data of 375 million Airtel users, Airtel says no breach in its systems

India Today  

There is buzz on Twitter and a web forum, frequented by hackers, cyber criminals and security researchers, that data of 375 million Airtel users is out and is selling at a price. The buzz started when a Twitter account named FalconFeeds.ai shared screenshot of a forum post in which a hacker — identified as xenZen — was selling data of …

How Medibank allegedly ignored the warning signs in one of Australia's worst cybersecurity breaches
9 months, 1 week ago

How Medibank allegedly ignored the warning signs in one of Australia's worst cybersecurity breaches

ABC  

Pity the IT guy. In court documents, the commissioner has laid out a timeline of alleged cybersecurity blunders by Medibank amounting to "serious interferences with the privacy of… approximately 9.7 million individuals". It says on around August 7, 2022, the IT contractor's personal computer was hacked by a "threat actor" who stole his Medibank username and password. Medibank warned about …

Santander staff and customer data stolen in major cyber attack
10 months ago

Santander staff and customer data stolen in major cyber attack

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Santander is the latest victim …

Australia goes on cyber offensive with sweeping resilience plan
1 year, 4 months ago

Australia goes on cyber offensive with sweeping resilience plan

The Hindu  

Australia will give cyber health checks for small businesses, increase cyber law enforcement funding and introduce mandatory reporting of ransomware attacks under a security overhaul announced on Wednesday after a spate of attacks. The federal government said it will also subject telecommunications firms to tougher cyber reporting rules which apply to critical infrastructure, seek migrants to build up the cyber …

The most common cyber scams Australians are falling victim to - and how to protect yourself: 'Everyone is at risk'
1 year, 5 months ago

The most common cyber scams Australians are falling victim to - and how to protect yourself: 'Everyone is at risk'

Daily Mail  

The most common target for cyber criminals has been revealed with Aussie 'mum and dad' businesses most affected. Many of these businesses have fallen victim to email-related scams and in 2021/22 alone, businesses reported losing more than $98 million - or an average loss of $64,000 per successful breach. Businesses reportedly lost more than $98 million in 2021/22 alone after …

Russian ransomware gang AlphV targets pathology company, law firms in latest string of attacks
1 year, 6 months ago

Russian ransomware gang AlphV targets pathology company, law firms in latest string of attacks

ABC  

In short: Russian hackers have claimed they are behind a series of cyber attacks on a number of Victorian companies, and say they have stolen at least 4.95 terbytes of data Russian hackers have claimed they are behind a series of cyber attacks on a number of Victorian companies, and say they have stolen at least 4.95 terbytes of data …

What can cyber hackers do with your data — and how to stop it
1 year, 11 months ago

What can cyber hackers do with your data — and how to stop it

ABC  

When Beth* was caught up in the Optus data hack, she had to get a new drivers licence. University of Tasmania senior business and economic lecturer Joel Scanlan said they helped to form a "picture" of someone's identity, which could be used to commit crime. Dr Scanlan said hackers often send out millions of emails based on one hack, in …

Data hack by Cl0p ransomware group still being assessed, Tasmania's technology minister says
1 year, 11 months ago

Data hack by Cl0p ransomware group still being assessed, Tasmania's technology minister says

ABC  

Tasmania's technology minister says there is "no indication" government-held data has been compromised as part of a hack of a third-party file transfer site by a cybercrime enterprise but added the investigations were "ongoing". Key points: Last Friday, the Tasmanian government announced it was caught up in a data theft incident which has also affected Crown Resorts and Rio Tinto, …

Hacking the hackers: How the FBI and hacktivists infiltrated ransomware gang Hive and recovered millions
2 years, 2 months ago

Hacking the hackers: How the FBI and hacktivists infiltrated ransomware gang Hive and recovered millions

Firstpost  

In a rather interesting FBI operation that would make a great Hollywood flick, the FBI’s cybersecurity division and a few international hacktivist groups came together to go after one of the most notorious ransomware gangs in the world, Hive, shut down a significant portion of their operations, and recovered about $130 million from them. Attorney General Merrick Garland and other …

Personal data of 6 lakh Indian hacked and sold on bot markets for Rs 490 each: study reveals
2 years, 3 months ago

Personal data of 6 lakh Indian hacked and sold on bot markets for Rs 490 each: study reveals

India Today  

Sensitive data of at least five million people around the globe, including data of 6 lakh Indians, has been hacked and sold on the bot market. A recent study by NordVPN revealed that data of 6,00,000 Indians including logins, cookies, digital fingerprints, screenshots, and other information were stolen and sold in the bot market. For the study, folks at NordVPN …

Medibank hack: Russian hackers release biggest trove of information yet
2 years, 4 months ago

Medibank hack: Russian hackers release biggest trove of information yet

Daily Mail  

Russian hackers are believed to have published all remaining stolen data from Medibank - putting the personal information of up to 9.7million Australians at risk. About 9.7 million current and former customers are believed to have been affected by the data breach November 30 is 'International Cyber Security Day', an ironic occasion for the hackers to post the data. Medibank …

Cyber black market selling hacked ATO and MyGov logins shows Medibank and Optus only tip of iceberg
2 years, 4 months ago

Cyber black market selling hacked ATO and MyGov logins shows Medibank and Optus only tip of iceberg

ABC  

The highly sensitive information of millions of Australians — including logins for personal Australian Tax Office accounts, medical and personal data of thousands of NDIS recipients, and confidential details of an alleged assault of a Victorian school student by their teacher — is among terabytes of hacked data being openly traded online. Key points: ABC Investigations can reveal confidential documents …

Medibank defends decision to not pay hackers ransom for stolen data as it contacts 480,000 customers
2 years, 4 months ago

Medibank defends decision to not pay hackers ransom for stolen data as it contacts 480,000 customers

ABC  

Medibank’s boss says the company will begin directly communicating with nearly half a million customers whose health data is believed to have been stolen, weeks after it first became aware hackers had breached its customer database. Medibank's chief executive David Koczkar said the company had started on Wednesday communicating with about 480,000 customers whose health data was believed to have …

Australia blames Russians for health insurance data theft
2 years, 4 months ago

Australia blames Russians for health insurance data theft

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Moscow must he held to account for Russian cybercriminals accused of hacking Australia’s largest health insurer and dumping customers’ personal medical records on the dark web, Australian officials said Friday. A group of “loosely affiliated cybercriminals” operating like a business in Russia were likely responsible for the Medibank attack as well as other significant security breaches around …

Russia responds after AFP Commissioner says Medibank hackers based in Russia
2 years, 4 months ago

Russia responds after AFP Commissioner says Medibank hackers based in Russia

ABC  

Russia's embassy in Australia has criticised a statement by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw that those responsible for the Medibank hack are based in Russia, saying the announcement was made before the AFP contacted Russian law enforcement agencies. Key points: AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw says a group of cyber criminals based in Russia are believed to be responsible for …

Australian police blame Russian hackers for medical records leak
2 years, 4 months ago

Australian police blame Russian hackers for medical records leak

Al Jazeera  

Australian authorities have blamed Russia-based hackers for a cyberattack that exposed the personal information of private health insurance customers, including details of abortions and treatments for addiction and HIV. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said on Friday that a “group of loosely affiliated cybercriminals” linked to data breaches elsewhere was responsible for the cyberattack on Medicare. Kershaw said that …

Abortions exposed among Australian health insurer customers
2 years, 4 months ago

Abortions exposed among Australian health insurer customers

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Extortionists dumped stolen client records relating to pregnancy terminations on the dark web on Thursday in their latest effort to pressure Australia’s largest health insurer to pay a ransom. Medibank CEO David Koczkar condemned the release of Thursday’s tranche of data as “disgraceful.” “The weaponization of people’s private information in an effort to extort payment is malicious, …

Hackers have released stolen Medibank data on the dark web. What does this mean for customers?
2 years, 4 months ago

Hackers have released stolen Medibank data on the dark web. What does this mean for customers?

ABC  

Some of the stolen Medibank customer data has been leaked online after Australia's largest health insurance provider refused to pay a ransom to hackers. Loading YouTube content Medibank has started a dedicated cyber crime support package, including: A hardship package to provide financial support for customers who are in a uniquely vulnerable position as a result of this crime, who …

Hackers claim they demanded $15 million ransom as more Medibank customer data posted to dark web
2 years, 4 months ago

Hackers claim they demanded $15 million ransom as more Medibank customer data posted to dark web

ABC  

The Medibank hackers claim they demanded a $US9.7 million ransom not to release stolen customer information, as the health insurer blasted their latest data dump as a "malicious" attack on vulnerable Australians. Key points: Medibank previously warned customers it expected more stolen information to be released Cyber Safety Minister Clare O'Neil is calling on social media companies to make sure …

Hacker demands $10m to stop leaking Australians’ medical records
2 years, 4 months ago

Hacker demands $10m to stop leaking Australians’ medical records

Al Jazeera  

Cyber-extortionist posts medical information purporting to show details of abortions and treatments for addiction, HIV. In a message posted on the dark web early on Thursday morning, the hacker said it was demanding $1 from Medibank, Australia’s largest private health insurer, for each of the 9.7 million customers affected in an enormous data breach last month. The cybercriminal or criminal …

Hacker releases Australian health insurer’s customer data
2 years, 4 months ago

Hacker releases Australian health insurer’s customer data

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Client data from Medibank, Australia’s largest health insurer, was released by an extortionist on Wednesday, including details of HIV diagnoses and drug abuse treatments, after the company refused to pay a ransom for the personal records of almost 10 million current and former customers. “Letting customers discover their most sensitive information imaginable has been published and hearing …

Cyber-extortionist leaks Australians’ medical records online
2 years, 4 months ago

Cyber-extortionist leaks Australians’ medical records online

Al Jazeera  

Private insurer Medibank says it expects more customers details to be published online. A cyber-extortionist has leaked details of Australians’ medical histories online after a private health insurer refused to pay a ransom for the hacked records of almost 10 million customers. “It’s always a shock to have your data leaked online, particularly this volume of this sensitivity,” Troy Hunt, …

NT Police issue cybercrime warning after two businesses handover more than $1 million to scammers
2 years, 4 months ago

NT Police issue cybercrime warning after two businesses handover more than $1 million to scammers

ABC  

Northern Territory Police say they're investigating "numerous" incidents of cybercrime targeting building and real estate companies, after two businesses handed over more than half a million dollars each to scammers in recent months. Key points: Northern Territory Police say the scams are targeting building and real estate companies Two businesses collectively lost more than a million dollars to separate business …

More than 6 million Australian adults had personal data stolen in past year, survey shows
2 years, 4 months ago

More than 6 million Australian adults had personal data stolen in past year, survey shows

ABC  

At least one-in-three adult Australians have had personal data such as driver's licence numbers and home addresses stolen in the past year, according to a survey by the Australian National University. Key points: Survey confirmed cybercrime is far more common than crimes like burglary or assault People's trust in key institutions with regards to data privacy has fallen — even …

Australian firms roiled by raft of cyberattacks this year
2 years, 4 months ago

Australian firms roiled by raft of cyberattacks this year

The Hindu  

Australian firms have suffered a flood of cyberattacks, putting the spotlight on country's understaffed cybersecurity industry which experts say seems ill-equipped to tackle such hacks, thus endangering sensitive information of millions of people. Woolworths Australia's biggest grocer Woolworths Group Ltd. said its majority-owned online retailer MyDeal identified that a "compromised user credential" was used to access its systems, exposing email …

Australian health insurer says data of all customers hacked
2 years, 5 months ago

Australian health insurer says data of all customers hacked

The Hindu  

Australia’s largest health insurer said on Wednesday a cybercriminal had hacked the personal data of all its 4 million customers, as the government introduced legislation that would increase penalties for companies that fail to protect clients’ private information. Medibank said “significant amounts of health claims data” had also been accessed in the breach, which was reported to police a week …

All Medibank customers' personal data was compromised in the cyber attack. Who is at risk and what should customers do?
2 years, 5 months ago

All Medibank customers' personal data was compromised in the cyber attack. Who is at risk and what should customers do?

ABC  

Millions of Medibank customers may have had their information stolen, with the company revealing hackers accessed the personal data of all customers across its Medibank, ahm and OSHC brands. In a statement on Wednesday morning, Medibank confirmed the criminal entity behind the hack had accessed all Medibank, ahm and international student customers' personal data and a "significant amount" of health-claims …

Medibank, Optus, Woolworths data hacks show how a 'decade of anti-security policy' is putting Australia at risk, experts say
2 years, 5 months ago

Medibank, Optus, Woolworths data hacks show how a 'decade of anti-security policy' is putting Australia at risk, experts say

ABC  

Millions of Australians have had a bad run with their personal data lately. Whether it's telecommunications companies like Optus, private health insurers like Medibank, massive online retailers like MyDeal, or smaller online wine sellers like Vinomofo — hackers are getting hold of our data regularly. But internet security expert Troy Hunt, who runs the website haveibeenpwned.com said the data was …

Optus and Medibank hacks prompt government to increase fines for massive data breaches to a minimum of $50 million
2 years, 5 months ago

Optus and Medibank hacks prompt government to increase fines for massive data breaches to a minimum of $50 million

ABC  

The financial penalty imposed on companies engaged in serious or repeated privacy breaches will be increased to at least $50 million. Key points: The federal government believes the current $2.2 million fine is insufficient after recent cyber-attacks Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus will fast-track amendments to the Privacy Act next week The proposed legislation will see the fine for "serious or repeated …

Hacker holds Australian health insurer’s data for ransom
2 years, 5 months ago

Hacker holds Australian health insurer’s data for ransom

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A cybercriminal was holding for ransom an Australian health insurer’s customer data including diagnoses and treatments, in the nation’s second major privacy breach in a month, officials said on Thursday. Trade in Medibank shares has been halted on the Australian Securities Exchange since Wednesday when police were alerted that the company had been contacted by what it …

Medibank admits personal data stolen in cyber attack
2 years, 5 months ago

Medibank admits personal data stolen in cyber attack

ABC  

Medibank has admitted that the personal data of some of its customers — including names, addresses, Medicare numbers and phone numbers — has been stolen in a cyber attack. Key points: As well as personal details, some data about medical claims — including particular services — has been stolen Medibank expects the number of affected customers is expected to grow …

Australian police make first arrest in Optus hack probe
2 years, 5 months ago

Australian police make first arrest in Optus hack probe

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — A police investigation of a cyberattack on an Australian telecommunications company in which the personal data of more than one third of Australia’s population was stolen has resulted in its first arrest, investigators said Thursday. Police launched Operation Hurricane in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Bureau Investigation after Optus, Australia’s second-largest wireless carrier, lost the personal records …

Cyberattack on Australian telco Optus affects 1.2 million customers
2 years, 5 months ago

Cyberattack on Australian telco Optus affects 1.2 million customers

The Hindu  

Australian telecoms giant Optus on Monday said personal information and at least one valid form of identification of about 1.2 million customers was compromised in one of the biggest cyber breaches the country has faced. The breach last month by an anonymous online account, which affected 10 million customers, equivalent to around 40% of Australia's population, attracted harsh criticism from …

Optus reveals more than 2 million customers had personal ID numbers compromised in cyber attack
2 years, 5 months ago

Optus reveals more than 2 million customers had personal ID numbers compromised in cyber attack

ABC  

Optus chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin has revealed more than 2 million customers had their personal identification documents compromised by hackers, with the updated figures provided in a video posted online. Key points: Optus posted a video online revealing the cyber attack exposed personal ID numbers of more than 2 million people The company's CEO said an external review was …

Optus data breach could allow fraudsters to commit range of damaging crimes, expert says
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus data breach could allow fraudsters to commit range of damaging crimes, expert says

ABC  

John Theodosis is one of the thousands of Australians whose personal data might now be in the hands of criminals. Key points: Nearly 10 million current and former Optus customers have been affected by the data breach An expert says the data could be used by criminals to take out fraudulent loans or impersonate victims Australian intelligence agencies are investigating …

What's happening with the Optus data breach? What we know about the alleged hacker's ransom, data release and apology
2 years, 6 months ago

What's happening with the Optus data breach? What we know about the alleged hacker's ransom, data release and apology

ABC  

The fallout from last week's cyber attack on telecommunications giant Optus, which exposed the details of current and former customers, is continuing. "It's got names, date of births, email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers, Medicare card numbers, passport numbers, drivers licence numbers — its got everything," he said. Here's an update from Optus from Monday morning: "Optus has now sent …

Online account claiming to be behind data leak apologises, drops ransom threat
2 years, 6 months ago

Online account claiming to be behind data leak apologises, drops ransom threat

ABC  

An online account that claims to be behind the Optus data breach says it has deleted its only copy of customers' information and it no longer cares about a ransom. Key points: Some critics believe the account is legitimate, but this has not been confirmed by Optus or the Australian Federal Police The company says it has contacted every customer …

What does the Optus data breach mean for you and how can you protect yourself? A step-by-step guide
2 years, 6 months ago

What does the Optus data breach mean for you and how can you protect yourself? A step-by-step guide

ABC  

Optus, Australia's second largest telecommunications company, announced on September 22 that identifying details of up to 9.8 million customers were stolen from their customer database. Cybercriminals use these data to commit identity theft and fraudulent credit applications, or use the personal information to gain your trust in phishing attacks. Step 2: Lock your SIM card and credit card if possible …

Australia plans privacy overhaul after huge telecom data leak
2 years, 6 months ago

Australia plans privacy overhaul after huge telecom data leak

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says reforms would allow banks to ‘protect their customers’. Australia will overhaul its privacy rules to allow banks to be informed of data breaches in the corporate world, following a huge leak of personal information from the country’s second-biggest telecom. Speaking on local radio on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the hacking of No 2 …

Australian Federal Police monitoring dark web amid allegations stolen Optus data may be sold online
2 years, 6 months ago

Australian Federal Police monitoring dark web amid allegations stolen Optus data may be sold online

ABC  

The Australian Federal Police are monitoring the dark web and internet forums after reports stolen Optus data may be being sold online. Key points: A post on an internet forum claims to be selling details taken in the Optus data breach The dataset has not be verified by Optus or authorities It is an offence to buy stolen credentials online …

Optus data breach: What to do if you think you're at risk of identity theft
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus data breach: What to do if you think you're at risk of identity theft

ABC  

Optus customers dating back to 2017 are advised they could be at risk of identity theft after the malicious data breach. The telco company says this means: Look out for any suspicious or unexpected activity across your online accounts and report any fraudulent activity immediately to your provider or across your online accounts and to your provider Look out for …

Optus warns cyberattack may have exposed Australian client details
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus warns cyberattack may have exposed Australian client details

The Hindu  

Optus, the Australian unit of telecoms firm Singapore Telecommunications, said it was investigating the unauthorised access of customer details including home addresses, driver's licence and passport numbers, after a cyberattack. Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said the company had notified Australian Federal Police after noticing "unusual activity". Bayer Rosmarin told ABC television the company will contact high-risk customers "quite soon", …

What we know about the Optus cyber attack, and how to strengthen your online security
2 years, 6 months ago

What we know about the Optus cyber attack, and how to strengthen your online security

ABC  

Both current and former Optus customers may have potentially been involved in a data breach as a result of a cyber attack on the telecommunications company. Optus says it noticed "unusual activity" yesterday afternoon and is now working with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Federal Police. Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin says both current and former customers …

Australia’s Optus says personal data possibly compromised in hack
2 years, 6 months ago

Australia’s Optus says personal data possibly compromised in hack

Al Jazeera  

Telecom says it is probing possible unauthorised access of information including names, addresses and passport numbers. Optus, Australia’s second-largest telecom, has disclosed that customers’ personal data may have been compromised in a cyberattack against the company. Optus said on Thursday that it was investigating the possible unauthorised access of customer information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, email …

Optus says it has been hit by a cyber attack that has compromised customer information
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus says it has been hit by a cyber attack that has compromised customer information

ABC  

Optus has been hit by a cyber attack that has compromised customer information, the telecommunications company says in a statement. Key points: Customers' names, dates of birth, phone numbers and email addresses have been exposed Driver's licence or passport numbers have been exposed in some cases Optus says the attack has been shut down Information that may have been exposed …

Cybercrime is evolving — here's how a cybersecurity expert recommends you keep safe
2 years, 8 months ago

Cybercrime is evolving — here's how a cybersecurity expert recommends you keep safe

ABC  

Paul Haskell-Dowland has been in the cybersecurity education and research domain for two decades — and he is on a mission to teach the rest of us how to stay safe online. Criminals increasingly sophisticated Professor Haskell-Dowland said this portrayal was not entirely accurate and, in reality, cyber threats come from far more organised operations, which are "incredibly well-resourced". "It's …

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