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Almost 10 million Optus customers had their personal details including names, date of births, addresses, phone numbers and license numbers stolen in a data breach on Thursday, 22 September 2022. Fortunately, banking details and passwords were not obtained, according to Optus.
The Treasurer referred to the data breach as “incredibly concerning”, stating that ministers and officials across the government, led by Minister for Home Affairs Clare O'Neil, are working with Optus along with other interested parties to ensure an adequate response.
“If there are changes to the arrangements that need to be made in the future, the Minister will make that clear,” Mr Chalmers said.
“We encourage Optus to work closely with their customers to make sure they have all the information that they need to deal with what has been a really concerning cyberattack.”
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) along with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is working closely with the government as well as warning consumers to watch out for further scams following the breach.
The ABA stated that banks “stand ready” to assist the government and the broader business sector. Protecting consumers and undertaking cooperative measures are “an important part of a continued focus on resilience” according to the ABA.
“Banks encourage customers to also remain vigilant in all aspects of their digital lives, with an increased focus on the use of PayID, and applying measures such as two-factor identification,” the ABA has stated.
“Banks also encourage customers to immediately report any suspicious activity to their bank.”
A spokesperson at ABA said protecting customers’ information and funds is the “highest priority for banks”.
“Banks have spent around $19 billion on IT systems to build resilience including against frauds and scams and to keep customers safe,” ABA said.
“In support of the continuous work undertaken to increase safeguards against frauds and scams, individual banks are closely monitoring developments while Optus continues its investigations and works with authorities and agencies.”
The associations said it would continue to support a sustained effort to combat frauds and scams right across the economy.
“Australian banks are working collaboratively with the government and across industries, to contribute to measures to continue to strengthen Australia’s cyber security resilience,” the associations said.
In particular, it recognised the need for a “considered conversation” to continue to focus on Australia’s cyber security resilience, including on the standards that must apply to customer data.
ACCC Scamwatch has extended a warning urging customers to protect their bank accounts and remain vigilant following the Optus data breach.
“Optus customers should take immediate steps to secure all of their accounts, particularly their bank and financial accounts,” the ACCC stated.
“You should also monitor for unusual activity on your accounts and watch out for contact by scammers.”
ACCC outlined various steps consumers can take to ensure that personal information is protected, including securing personal devices and monitoring for suspicious activity; changing online passwords and enable multifactor authentication; monitor bank accounts for unusual activity and; placing limits on personal accounts.
Earlier this year, co-inventor of 3D vector graphics and futurist Mark Pesce warned that single-source verification of identity (VOI) using existing voice or video technology will be obsolete by the end of the decade as cyber attacks are becoming increasingly adept.
[RELATED: Video VOI to ‘fall by the wayside’ this decade: Mark Pesce]
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