Prime minister issues warning over Optus data breach.
The prime minister has now warned Optus to pay victims of its data breach. Customers across the country are being forced to organise new driver licences, passports and Medicare accounts.
And it’s proving a frustrating and costly exercise.
The Office of the Information Commissioner (OAIC) on Tuesday revealed it has launched an own-motion investigation into the Optus data breach in conjunction with the telco regulator the Australian Communications and Media Agency (ACMA), a move that puts the carrier on a path to prosecution if adverse findings are delivered.
“The OAIC’s investigation will focus on whether the Optus companies took reasonable steps to protect the personal information they held from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure, and whether the information collected and retained was necessary to carry out their business,” the OAIC said.
“If the OAIC’s investigation satisfies the Commissioner that an interference with the privacy of one or more individuals has occurred the Commissioner may make a determination that can include requiring the Optus companies to take steps to ensure the act or practice is not repeated or continued, and to redress any loss or damage.”
Both state and federal governments have demanded Optus pay to roll over customer credentials that have been compromised. It does add up quickly. At the lower end of that range, just 100,000 customers getting $5000 adds up to $500 million, putting a compo bill in the billions easily in range.
Litigation funders and law firms are already circling.
Maurice Blackburn is already taking registrations in for its potential class action against Optus “over a major customer data breach involving millions of current and former Optus account holders”.
“Registration is free. You do not need to pay anything to register for or participate in the potential class action,” the law firm said.