The Optus data breach that went alarming last time is living proof that the Australian government needs to revamp its policies when it comes to consumer protection.
According to the administration, the telecom giant is responsible for the cyberattack, suggesting that it should pay for the replacement of the compromised passports and other ID documents.
Aussie Government Demands Payment From Optus
In a report by ZDNet, the Australian government addresses the need to impose stronger laws when it comes to privacy.
As a matter of fact, the administration describes the Optus attack as "not technologically challenging," which means that the company should always be one step ahead when it comes to cybersecurity measures.
Last week, the hacker behind the incident reportedly leaked millions of data from Optus customers. The information includes email addresses, names, passport numbers, and more.
Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin highlighted the attack as "sophisticated." The hacker managed to penetrate the security systems of the company.
According to Anthony Albanese, the current Prime Minister of Australia, the recent cybercrime sparks "great concern" among people. He added that it should be the "wake up call" to all organizations when it comes to customer data protection and safety.
Furthermore, he continued that the Optus attack should have never happened in the first place. With that being said, he pointed out the need to improve national security after a "decade of inaction."
Albanese argued that Optus should be accountable for its actions over millions of data exposed. He went on to say that the company should pay for the passport replacements of the affected customers because it was Optus's own failure in security regulation.
For Clare O'Neil, the Minister for Home Affairs, there's a need to review the current Privacy Act that's been running for years. After her statement, she added that she was concerned regarding the stolen data from the current and old Optus customers.
Related Article: [UPDATE] Affected Optus Customers Could Appeal For the Replacement of their Driver License -Here's How
Optus Hacker Under Fire For Stupid Hack
Earlier this week, Tech Times reported that Optusdata, the online account that claims to be the hacker behind the Optus scandal, has issued an apology to the cybercrime victims.
According to the report, the cybercriminal said that leaking their information was a "mistake" on their part.
The purported mastermind said that they wouldn't ask for ransom anymore and promised to refrain from further leaking the rest of the data.
Fellow hackers are quick to criticize the unprofessionalism of Optusdata. One user suggested that the hacker shouldn't be an amateur if they're going to steal data, per Daily Mail.
Another hacker commented that Optusdatadoes has done a pretty stupid move to begin with.
Read Also: Optus to Offer Free 12-Month Subscription For the 'Most Affected' Customers
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Written by Joseph Henry
