A Cyber-Attack Exposes Optus Customers' Personal Information

Scamwatch is raising the alarm for Optus customers, urging them to remain vigilant and take immediate action to secure their personal information in the wake of a damaging cyber-attack. The breach has resulted in the release of sensitive data belonging to Optus customers, making them potential targets for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.

Assessing the Risks: What Information is at Stake?

If you are an Optus customer, it is crucial to understand the extent of the data breach. Your name, date of birth, phone number, and email addresses may have been compromised. For some customers, even more critical information such as driver's license or passport numbers could be in the hands of criminals. This puts you at risk of identity theft and necessitates urgent action to mitigate further harm.

Securing Your Accounts: Immediate Steps to Take

To protect yourself, it is essential to take immediate action to secure all your accounts, particularly your banking and financial accounts.

Monitor these accounts closely for any unusual activity that could indicate unauthorized access or fraudulent transactions. Stay alert for any contact from scammers attempting to exploit your compromised information.

Key Steps to Protect Your Personal Information

Here are some proactive measures you can take to safeguard your personal information:

1. Secure your devices: Implement robust security measures on all your devices and regularly monitor for any signs of unusual activity.
2. Update passwords and enable multi-factor authentication: Change your online account passwords, especially for your banking and financial accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection.
3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and scrutinize transactions for any unauthorized purchases or unfamiliar activities.
4. Set limits on your accounts: Consider placing limits on your accounts or consult your bank for additional measures to secure your money.
5. Request a ban on your credit report: If you suspect fraud, you can request a ban on your credit report to prevent unauthorized access and protect your creditworthiness.

Seeking Further Guidance and Support

For more information on protecting yourself from data breaches and identity theft, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) website. Stay informed by checking the Optus website for updates and specific guidance. If you have concerns or require assistance, reach out to Optus via the My Optus App or call 133 937.

Guarding Against Scammers: Be Wary of Suspicious Contact

Scammers may attempt to exploit the compromised personal information by reaching out to you via phone, text, or email.

Always exercise caution and never click on links or provide personal or financial information to anyone contacting you unexpectedly.

Educate yourself on scam prevention strategies by visiting the official Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Taking Immediate Action: Reporting and Support

If you suspect that your identity has been compromised or if you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately. Additionally, reach out to IDCARE at 1800 595 160, Australia's national identity and cyber support service, for expert advice from specialists in identity and cybersecurity. Report any scams to Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au and find further information about cybersecurity at cyber.gov.au.

(Source: Scamwatch - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, OAIC - Office of the Australian Information Commissioner)