Thousands More Caught up in Government Data Hack in Australian State

Thousands More Caught up in Government Data Hack in Australian State
Hooded hacker.(ShutterStock)
AAP
By AAP
4/14/2023
Updated:
4/14/2023

A further 14,000 people could be affected by a cyber attack from which hackers released over 16,000 Tasmanian education department documents.

On April 7, the state government revealed financial statements and invoices, containing names and addresses of school students and their parents, had been released onto the dark web.

The documents were gained through a hack on third-party file transfer service GoAnywhere MFT.

Earlier this week, the Department for Education, Children and Young People contacted about 150,000 people and businesses whose data was potentially at risk.

“Through extensive investigations by our cyber team, we have now identified approximately 14,000 additional individuals whose data may have been compromised,” Science and Technology Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said on April 14.

“Out of an abundance of caution, those identified will be contacted (on April 14).

“As a result of these precautionary measures, this may mean that some people receive multiple notifications. We are sorry if that has caused any confusion.

“However, it is important that we cover all bases to ensure we provide as much information as possible.”

Ogilvie said there was no evidence further data had been released but the state government was prepared for the possibility of it occurring.

Ogilvie said investigators had identified all the people who had potentially been affected.

“We think we’re there but what I’ve learned through this process is that there can be twists and turns in the tale,” Ogilvie said.

The state government has set up a dedicated webpage and phone hotline, which has received more than 260 calls, to assist with inquiries and provide information.

“We continue to urge people to stay alert for any suspicious financial activity or attempted scams,” Ogilvie said.

Tasmania Police has reached out specifically to domestic violence survivors to offer additional support if they have privacy concerns.