Government strengthens powers for telcos to share affected data following Optus hack
2 years, 5 months ago

Government strengthens powers for telcos to share affected data following Optus hack

ABC  

The federal government has released planned changes to telecommunications laws following the Optus data breach, which affected nearly 10 million customers and former customers. Key points: The government will change regulations to allow Optus to temporarily share sensitive data Optus will be able to share affected passport, driver licence and Medicare data with banks and other agencies Those changes will help banks and agencies to detect and prevent fraud Changes to telecommunications regulations will allow drivers licences and Medicare and passport numbers to be temporarily shared with financial services so they can implement enhanced monitoring for people affected by the Optus breach. "Financial institutions can play an important role in targeting their efforts towards protecting customers at greatest risk of fraudulent activity and scams in the wake of the recent Optus breach," Mr Chalmers said. Mr Chalmers and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said financial institutions had been proactive in the breach — though the government has previously criticised elements of the Optus response, including a delay in notifying that Medicare numbers had also been caught up in the hack.

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History of this topic

Optus outage prompts calls to force telcos to switch customers onto other networks when one fails
1 year, 4 months ago

Optus outage prompts calls to force telcos to switch customers onto other networks when one fails

ABC  

The major Optus outage has prompted calls for the federal government to compel telecommunications companies to allow customers to use other networks when one fails. Key points: Customers and telecommunications experts are questioning why Optus customers could not switch to another carrier during the outage The federal government is working on switching customers to other networks in the event of …

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 …

Optus promises to pay cost of replacing foreign passports compromised in data breach
2 years, 4 months ago

Optus promises to pay cost of replacing foreign passports compromised in data breach

ABC  

Optus has pledged to reimburse data breach victims who replace their foreign passports. Key points: Optus has not confirmed how many foreign passport numbers were compromised in the recent data breach The company had previously only agreed to cover the cost of replacement passports for Australians Foreign passport holders said they had felt abandoned by Optus after the data breach …

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 customers affected by data breach do not need new passports, chief executive says
2 years, 5 months ago

Optus customers affected by data breach do not need new passports, chief executive says

ABC  

Telecommunications provider Optus says customers affected by the data breach at the telco do not need to apply for a new passport. Key points: Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin defends the company's response to the data breach in her latest update She also says an external independent review has been commissioned A teenager has been arrested for allegedly using the …

Optus data breach: International students, visa holders feel 'abandoned' by company
2 years, 5 months ago

Optus data breach: International students, visa holders feel 'abandoned' by company

ABC  

Optus customers who signed up using international identification say they feel abandoned by the company, and are unsure whether they need to replace documents or who will cover the cost. Key points: A United States citizen living in Melbourne says he feels "completely ignored" by Optus over the data breach The company has declined to say how many of its …

Information commissioner, ACMA to investigate Optus data hack
2 years, 5 months ago

Information commissioner, ACMA to investigate Optus data hack

ABC  

Further investigations are being launched into the Optus cyber attack that affected millions of customers last month. Key points: The information commissioner and the communications and media authority have launched inquiries The investigations will look at whether Optus breached its obligations under the law and to customers Neither body has indicated how long the inquiries will take As a telecommunications …

Singtel's second unit faces cyber attack weeks after Optus data breach
2 years, 5 months ago

Singtel's second unit faces cyber attack weeks after Optus data breach

The Hindu  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. said on Monday its unit Dialog faced a cyber attack that potentially affected 1,000 current and former employees and fewer than 20 clients, weeks after a massive data breach at another Australian unit - Optus. The breach at Optus, Australia's second-largest mobile operator, late last month compromised data of up to 10 million customers, triggering an overhaul …

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 …

Australia unveils privacy rule changes after Optus data breach
2 years, 5 months ago

Australia unveils privacy rule changes after Optus data breach

The Hindu  

Australia on Thursday proposed an overhaul of consumer privacy rules that will help facilitate targeted data sharing between telecommunication firms and banks, following a massive data breach at Optus - the country's second largest mobile operator. Last month's cyber attack on Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., was one of Australia's biggest data breaches, and compromised the data of up …

What you should do to protect yourself after Optus data breach
2 years, 5 months ago

What you should do to protect yourself after Optus data breach

ABC  

Optus has now confirmed that more than two million people have had their data leaked in the recent breach, so if you've been impacted and don't know where to go from here, there's a high chance you're not alone. Checklist: Change your drivers licence number if it's been exposed if it's been exposed Replace your Medicare card if the data …

but then her details were leaked in the Optus data breach and everything changed
2 years, 5 months ago

but then her details were leaked in the Optus data breach and everything changed

ABC  

For New South Wales resident Anna*, having her personal details compromised in the Optus data breach has had serious implications as a prospective first-home buyer. "After much back and forth, I asked what details were taken and Optus once again told me to wait for an email explaining everything," Anna said, having contacted Optus via the MyOptus app. Optus could …

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 …

Past Optus customers have had their data exposed — why did the company still have it?
2 years, 6 months ago

Past Optus customers have had their data exposed — why did the company still have it?

ABC  

When Paul Weiss first heard about the Optus data breach, he wasn't sure if his data was at risk. Key points: Optus said past customers had information exposed because the company must store data for six years Telcos are required to hold onto customer data for at least two years after an account is closed Calls are growing for government …

Optus’s week of hell: How nine days of confusion left 9.4 million Australians waiting for answers
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus’s week of hell: How nine days of confusion left 9.4 million Australians waiting for answers

ABC  

An anonymous hacker, ransom threats on the dark web, 9.4 million Australians compromised, a government that disagrees with your approach and a business scrambling to make amends. "It's absolutely outrageous that they haven't been able to get the message out to customers quickly to enable them to protect themselves," Ms Bower says. "Customers still don't know which of their documents, …

Optus data breach raises questions about how best to protect people's personal data
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus data breach raises questions about how best to protect people's personal data

ABC  

In 2019, Georgia realised $7,000 was missing from her bank account. 'No real requirement' for companies to delete data The Optus data breach included the names, dates of birth, email and postal addresses, phone numbers, Medicare card numbers, passport numbers and drivers licence numbers of many of their current and former customers. "There's a lot of data in there and …

AFP moves to protect thousands of Optus customers whose data was released online
2 years, 6 months ago

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

ABC  

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 …

What does the Optus data breach reveal about corporate governance problems around cyber security?
2 years, 6 months ago

What does the Optus data breach reveal about corporate governance problems around cyber security?

ABC  

The Optus data breach has left the personal information of millions of customers exposed – and new information is still coming to light about exactly what information is out there. As Optus customers vigilantly avoid clicking links and figure out whether they need to replace their drivers licences, the data breach also revealed corporate governance issues around cyber security. "Cyber …

Federal government wants Optus to pay for new passports, arguing there is 'no justification' for taxpayers to foot the bill
2 years, 6 months ago

Federal government wants Optus to pay for new passports, arguing there is 'no justification' for taxpayers to foot the bill

ABC  

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has asked Optus to cover passport application fees for anyone caught up in last week's massive data breach, which affected millions of Australians. Key points: Passport numbers are among the details leaked in what the federal government has described as a "basic hack", but Optus says was a "sophisticated" operation Optus has agreed to cover …

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 …

Optus data breach customers navigate varied rules on changing drivers licence number
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus data breach customers navigate varied rules on changing drivers licence number

ABC  

When Bernard Sheppard heard there had been a data breach at Optus, the former customer strongly suspected he would be affected. "Unless there's actually direct evidence of there being fraud … using the drivers licence number, the current position with most of them is that they won't replace it," he said. New South Wales Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said …

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil says Optus ‘left the window open’ for cyber criminals to conduct simple hack
2 years, 6 months ago

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil says Optus ‘left the window open’ for cyber criminals to conduct simple hack

ABC  

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil says a massive breach of Optus customer data should not have happened, saying it was a "basic" attempt by cyber criminals. Key points: The government says Optus is responsible for basic failures that enabled hackers Optus has agreed to offer free fraud monitoring services for the most affected Clare O'Neil says the sector needs to …

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 …

Federal government to unveil new security measures following massive Optus data breach
2 years, 6 months ago

Federal government to unveil new security measures following massive Optus data breach

ABC  

The Home Affairs Minister is soon expected to announce several new security measures following the massive Optus data breach that saw hackers steal the personal details of up to 9.8 million Australians. Key points: Under the changes, banks and other institutions would be informed faster of a similar data breach Privacy protections currently prevent banks being immediately told about a …

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 hack renews calls for better protection of customers and their personal data
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus hack renews calls for better protection of customers and their personal data

ABC  

Following a data breach, Australians are typically told to change passwords and watch for unusual bank transactions — and after the Optus "cyber-attack" was announced on Thursday, the advice was no different. Key points: Optus calls for "heightened vigilance" after a cyber attack that could affect customers as far back as 2017 The company went public with the breach on …

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 rejects insider claims of 'human error' as possible factor in hack affecting millions of Australians
2 years, 6 months ago

Optus rejects insider claims of 'human error' as possible factor in hack affecting millions of Australians

ABC  

Optus has strenuously denied "human error" being a contributing factor in a data breach that inadvertently allowed cyber criminals to steal personal details of potentially millions of customers. Key points: An Optus source says a massive cyber attack likely exploited a flaw in the company's IT system Optus rejected claims that "human error" helped hackers to breach company defences through …

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 …

Optus customers claim major online privacy breach when logging into accounts
6 years, 1 month ago

Optus customers claim major online privacy breach when logging into accounts

ABC  

Optus customers have flooded social media to complain about suspicious account activity, claiming they have been victim to "major privacy" breaches when logging into their accounts. Key points: People complained of seeing other customers' contact information Optus says it's aware of the issue and has been responding to customers on Twitter It follows reports of a phishing email claiming to …

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