Optus has had a massive data breach

By Luke Smits - Founder & Operations Manager

You may be aware Optus was recently hacked and some 10 million clients had a range of details stolen.

Some reports advise the hacker has since deleted the data, but conflicting reports say it's being sold to the highest bidder in the dark recesses of the Internet.

As we don’t know the truth, it’s fair to say that any current or recent Optus customers can assume that some of their critical personal information, including their drivers’ license details, Medicare numbers, and passport numbers may have been stolen.

If you’re an existing, or previous Optus customer what can you do now?

If you know, or suspect that Optus has/had your driver’s license, passport or Medicare information, we’d strongly recommend you contact the managing services ASAP to advise your details may have been stolen.

The Australian Government is rumoured to be updating Medicare info for those affected, and the Dept. of Transport are looking at reissuing driver’s license numbers.

For other Optus customers who haven’t had important details like this hacked it's likely that the level of information the hacker has on you is enough to be a worry, but not necessarily critical.

You can implement a credit watch service that notifies you if anyone tries to apply for credit in your name - we can recommend Equifax.

Best practice for all Optus customers is to be extra careful with any suspicious emails or phone calls you receive. The hackers are more likely to have a valid phone number or email than your passport number. Be wary of emails apparently sent from Optus accounts or pretending to be from Optus customer service.

What should an Optus customer do next?

Hacks and data breaches like this could happen to almost any business, and telcos that hold large amounts of client data are prime targets; it's not surprising that Optus got hit.

Protect you and your business with our Cyber Security tips.