Almost 10 million Australian telecoms subscribers’ data may have been compromised by a substantial hack, Optus confirmed Friday. The telecommunications company said it was investigating reports that a hacker had breached its systems, potentially exposing up to 9.8 million customers’ data.
The hacker reportedly gained access to the accounts of Optus customers who used the telco’s website or app between January 1, 2018, and March 20, 2019.
A “sophisticated” actor was behind a cyberattack, which gained access to 9.8 million user records. The hack affected users’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth.
The telco said it was still investigating if the data breach also exposed customers’ credit card details or other sensitive personal information.
Customers’ names, dates of birth, phone numbers, and email addresses, along with some driver’s licenses and passports, accessed. The Singapore-owned firm says passwords and bank details were stolen.
Neither state-run nor criminal organizations suspected of carrying out the attack. But Bayer Rosmarin said no ransom demand made. Police and the Australian government are investigating, she said. There’s no point in ruling anything out yet.
Australian Investigation officer
Bayer Rosmarin said it’s still investigating if the data breach also exposed customers’ credit card details or other sensitive personal information. She said passwords and bank details stolen.
It is still unclear who these attackers are and what their intentions are. The company is offering customers 12 months’ worth of identity protection services and has also set up a dedicated website for information.
Bayer Rosmarin said it will contact all customers directly via email, letter, or phone.
Nearly half of Australians affected by identity theft, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
It is imperative that Optus customers secure their accounts immediately, particularly their bank and financial accounts. As well as monitoring your accounts for unusual activity, you should watch out for scammers.
