Consumer finance provider Latitude Financial has said that cyber-criminals have leaked the personal data of around 14 million customers, in what is being described as the biggest data breach reported in Australia.

The non-banking lending firm first reported the cyber hack on March 6, saying that 330,000 customers' information was stolen. On Monday, it acknowledged that the cyberattack was far worse than originally thought, and updated the figure to 14 million.

The stolen information consists of driver’s license numbers of customers from Australia and New Zealand, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported.

In an announcement, the firm added that victims include current and former customers dating back more than 10 years, as well as applicants for its consumer credit services.

“It is hugely disappointing that such a significant number of additional customers and applicants have been affected by this incident. We apologise unreservedly,” Latitude chief executive Ahmed Fahour said in a release to the Australian Securities Exchange.

“We are committed to working closely with impacted customers and applicants to minimise the risk and disruption to them, including reimbursing the cost if they choose to replace their ID document. We are also committed to a full review of what has occurred,” Fahour added. He is due to retire on Friday.

Latitude Financial was founded in 2015 after GE Capital sold its Australian and New Zealand business to a consortium led by Deutsche Bank, KKR and Varde Partners.

Cybersecurity Minister Clare O’Neil on Monday expressed concern about the scale of information theft, and ordered the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) to support government agencies in relation to the attack.

“The government shares the frustration and concern experienced by many citizens who fear their data may now have been stolen on multiple occasions,” she was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The firm said that it has not detected any cyberattack on its systems since March 16. It added that it is working with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the incident is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Consumer finance provider Latitude Financial has said that cyber-criminals have leaked the personal data of around 14 million customers, in what is being described as the biggest data breach reported in Australia.

Consumer finance provider Latitude Financial has said that cyber-criminals have leaked the personal data of around 14 million customers, in what is being described as the biggest data breach reported in Australia. The non-banking lending firm first reported the cyber hack on March 6, saying that 330,000 customers' information was stolen. On Monday, it acknowledged that the cyberattack was far worse than originally thought, and updated the figure to 14 million. The stolen information consists of driver’s license numbers of customers from Australia and New Zealand, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported. In an announcement, the firm added that victims include current and former customers dating back more than 10 years, as well as applicants for its consumer credit services. “It is hugely disappointing that such a significant number of additional customers and applicants have been affected by this incident. We apologise unreservedly,” Latitude chief executive Ahmed Fahour said in a release to the Australian Securities Exchange. “We are committed to working closely with impacted customers and applicants to minimise the risk and disruption to them, including reimbursing the cost if they choose to replace their ID document. We are also committed to a full review of what has occurred,” Fahour added. He is due to retire on Friday. Latitude Financial was founded in 2015 after GE Capital sold its Australian and New Zealand business to a consortium led by Deutsche Bank, KKR and Varde Partners. Cybersecurity Minister Clare O’Neil on Monday expressed concern about the scale of information theft, and ordered the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) to support government agencies in relation to the attack. “The government shares the frustration and concern experienced by many citizens who fear their data may now have been stolen on multiple occasions,” she was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The firm said that it has not detected any cyberattack on its systems since March 16. It added that it is working with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the incident is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australian lending firm Latitude Financial says data of 14 million customers stolen in cyberattack

Australia&nbsp;warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid&nbsp;growing tensions between the two nations.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia, Chinese authorities had detained foreigners for allegedly "endangering national security" and ''Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention''.

Australia&nbsp;has already told its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the updated advice did not raise the overall level of the warning against travel to China.

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The warning came days after the foreign ministry cautioned Australians about the possibility of running afoul of controversial new security laws enacted by China in Hong Kong.

China's foreign ministry said in response that "foreigners in China have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they abide by the law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a>

Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China hoped&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;would "remain objective and fair and do more to benefit the development of China-Australia&nbsp;relations".

Tension between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and its biggest trading partner has been rising for months, and flared recently after Beijing reacted furiously to Canberra's leading role in calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus.

Beijing subsequently imposed tariffs on Australian goods and warned Chinese tourists and students about visiting the country because of alleged racial harassment against Asians.

Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

Australia warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid growing tensions between the two nations.

Australia warned its citizens Tuesday they could face "arbitrary detention" if they travel to China, in an updated travel advisory amid growing tensions between the two nations. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia, Chinese authorities had detained foreigners for allegedly "endangering national security" and ''Australians may also be at risk of arbitrary detention''. Australia has already told its citizens to avoid all international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the updated advice did not raise the overall level of the warning against travel to China. Also read: China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia The warning came days after the foreign ministry cautioned Australians about the possibility of running afoul of controversial new security laws enacted by China in Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry said in response that "foreigners in China have absolutely nothing to worry about as long as they abide by the law." Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters that China hoped Australia would "remain objective and fair and do more to benefit the development of China-Australia relations". Tension between Australia and its biggest trading partner has been rising for months, and flared recently after Beijing reacted furiously to Canberra's leading role in calls for a probe into the origins of the coronavirus. Beijing subsequently imposed tariffs on Australian goods and warned Chinese tourists and students about visiting the country because of alleged racial harassment against Asians. Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China

Australia unveiled the "largest-ever" boost in cybersecurity spending Tuesday, days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke out about a wave of state-sponsored attacks suspected to have been carried out by China.

Morrison and government officials said the country would spend an additional $928 million on cybersecurity, around a 10 percent hike, taking the budget for the next decade to Aus$15 billion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sees-china-as-main-suspect-in-state-based-cyberattacks-says-report-307077">Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report</a>

The largest chunk of the new money will help create 500 jobs within the Australian Signals Directorate, the government's communications intelligence agency.

Morrison&nbsp;revealed earlier this month that a "state-based actor" was targeting a host of government entities, public services and businesses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rejects-chinas-racism-warning-to-students-assures-safety-304729">Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety</a>

As with state-backed cyberattacks on Australia's parliament, political parties and universities last year, China was seen as the likely culprit.

Morrison said Tuesday that malicious cyber activity against Australia was increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication.

Australian is a part of the FiveEyes intelligence network, along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States&nbsp;but its cybersecurity funding pales compared to cyberpowers such as the US, China or Russia.&nbsp;

But Morrison said the funding was designed to "help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe".

Beijing has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests, but has publicly denied orchestrating the cyberattacks.

Most recently, Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence-gathering and geopolitical leverage.&nbsp;

China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking.

Australia unveiled the "largest-ever" boost in cybersecurity spending Tuesday, days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke out about a wave of state-sponsored attacks suspected to have been carried out by China.

Australia unveiled the "largest-ever" boost in cybersecurity spending Tuesday, days after Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke out about a wave of state-sponsored attacks suspected to have been carried out by China. Morrison and government officials said the country would spend an additional $928 million on cybersecurity, around a 10 percent hike, taking the budget for the next decade to Aus$15 billion. Also read: Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report The largest chunk of the new money will help create 500 jobs within the Australian Signals Directorate, the government's communications intelligence agency. Morrison revealed earlier this month that a "state-based actor" was targeting a host of government entities, public services and businesses. Also read: Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety As with state-backed cyberattacks on Australia's parliament, political parties and universities last year, China was seen as the likely culprit. Morrison said Tuesday that malicious cyber activity against Australia was increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication. Australian is a part of the FiveEyes intelligence network, along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States but its cybersecurity funding pales compared to cyberpowers such as the US, China or Russia. But Morrison said the funding was designed to "help ensure we have the tools and capabilities we need to fight back and keep Australians safe". Beijing has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests, but has publicly denied orchestrating the cyberattacks. Most recently, Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence-gathering and geopolitical leverage. China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking.

Australian government boosts cyber security after state-backed attacks

Australia needs to boost its cyber security in cooperation with the United States in order&nbsp;to ''counter'' China, according to a recent report.

According to the report released Tuesday by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, the allies should jointly develop health care and digital infrastructure in developing Pacific nations and increase military cooperation amid ''immense global disruption and unprecedented domestic pressures''&nbsp;exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-retaliation-for-us-curbs-on-propaganda-outlets-307922">China threatens retaliation for US curbs on 'propaganda' outlets</a>

The report, titled 'Bolstering resilience in the Indo-Pacific: Policy options for Ausmin after Covid-19', describes a ''strategic environment''&nbsp;that has dramatically worsened amid a shifting balance of power resulting from declining US influence and an increase in China’s use of ''coercive statecraft.''

''These developments threaten to bring about the establishment of a Chinese sphere of influence by reducing the access and influence the US, Australia and others have enjoyed,''&nbsp;said the report, the release of which comes ahead of the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (Ausmin) at an undetermined date later this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sees-china-as-main-suspect-in-state-based-cyberattacks-says-report-307077">Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report</a>

Canberra and Washington, allies under a mutual defence treaty signed in the aftermath of Word War II, should cooperate in Pacific nations ''on joint projects which support the immediate pandemic response while advancing broader development outcomes in the region.''

''Bilateral cooperation provides an opportunity for continued American engagement in the region with a comparatively smaller investment of resources, which can leverage Australia’s pre-existing experience and relationships in the Pacific,''&nbsp;it said.

The report, produced with funding by the Australian Department of Defence and arms manufacturers Northrop Grumman and Thales, also calls on the countries to improve their capabilities to counter state-backed disinformation, which it describes as an ''urgent priority in light of China’s aggressive use of disinformation during Covid-19.''

Its release comes at a particularly difficult time for Australia-China relations, which have been strained in recent years by disputes over issues including the origin of the coronavirus, alleged Chinese cyber attack&nbsp;on Australia&nbsp;and Beijing’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

Australia needs to boost its cyber security in cooperation with the United States in order to ''counter'' China, according to a recent report. According to the report released Tuesday by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, the allies should jointly develop health care and digital infrastructure in developing Pacific nations and increase military cooperation amid ''immense global disruption and unprecedented domestic pressures'' exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia needs to boost its cyber security in cooperation with the United States in order to ''counter'' China, according to a recent report. According to the report released Tuesday by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, the allies should jointly develop health care and digital infrastructure in developing Pacific nations and increase military cooperation amid ''immense global disruption and unprecedented domestic pressures'' exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: China threatens retaliation for US curbs on 'propaganda' outlets The report, titled 'Bolstering resilience in the Indo-Pacific: Policy options for Ausmin after Covid-19', describes a ''strategic environment'' that has dramatically worsened amid a shifting balance of power resulting from declining US influence and an increase in China’s use of ''coercive statecraft.'' ''These developments threaten to bring about the establishment of a Chinese sphere of influence by reducing the access and influence the US, Australia and others have enjoyed,'' said the report, the release of which comes ahead of the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (Ausmin) at an undetermined date later this year. Also read: Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report Canberra and Washington, allies under a mutual defence treaty signed in the aftermath of Word War II, should cooperate in Pacific nations ''on joint projects which support the immediate pandemic response while advancing broader development outcomes in the region.'' ''Bilateral cooperation provides an opportunity for continued American engagement in the region with a comparatively smaller investment of resources, which can leverage Australia’s pre-existing experience and relationships in the Pacific,'' it said. The report, produced with funding by the Australian Department of Defence and arms manufacturers Northrop Grumman and Thales, also calls on the countries to improve their capabilities to counter state-backed disinformation, which it describes as an ''urgent priority in light of China’s aggressive use of disinformation during Covid-19.'' Its release comes at a particularly difficult time for Australia-China relations, which have been strained in recent years by disputes over issues including the origin of the coronavirus, alleged Chinese cyber attack on Australia and Beijing’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

To 'counter' China, US and Australia need to boost cyber security: Report

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said that the country is under cyberattack, targetting a "range of sectors" and the blamed it on a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", with suspicions falling on China.

"This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," Morrison said in a press conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-accuses-china-of-fuelling-infodemic-over-coronavirus-pandemic-306300">Australia accuses China of fuelling 'infodemic' over coronavirus pandemic</a>

He also warned the people of "specific risks" and an increased frequency of attacks and said that a range of sensitive organisations had been hit.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-citizen-faces-brunt-of-australia-china-dispute-sentenced-to-death-for-drug-smuggling-306140">Australian citizen faces brunt of Australia-China dispute; sentenced to death for drug smuggling</a>

Blaming "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", Morrison, however, did not name the culprit, saying that only one out of a handful of states could be behind this.&nbsp;

However, suspicions immediately grew on China as both Canberra and Beijing are in the middle of a heightened row, which first began after the former questioned the latter over its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

China recently has also imposed trade sanctions on Australian products and sentenced to death an Australian citizen on drug smuggling charges.

Australia's public broadcaster ABC mentioned "senior sources" to claim that China was believed to be behind such attacks.

Last year Australia's parliament and political parties were targetted by state-backed players, with China emerging as the likely culprit.

Canberra's former spymaster in 2019 accused Beijing of an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence-peddling in an attempt to "take over" Australia's political system&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Australian PM has warned opposition and state leaders of the cyberattacks.&nbsp;

Morrison did not provide details on the type of attacks that had taken place but said no personal data had been affected and many of the attempts were unsuccessful. 
&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said that the country is under cyberattack, targetting a "range of sectors" and the blamed it on a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", with suspicions falling on China.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said that the country is under cyberattack, targetting a "range of sectors" and the blamed it on a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", with suspicions falling on China. "This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," Morrison said in a press conference. Also read | Australia accuses China of fuelling 'infodemic' over coronavirus pandemic He also warned the people of "specific risks" and an increased frequency of attacks and said that a range of sensitive organisations had been hit. Also read | Australian citizen faces brunt of Australia-China dispute; sentenced to death for drug smuggling Blaming "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", Morrison, however, did not name the culprit, saying that only one out of a handful of states could be behind this. However, suspicions immediately grew on China as both Canberra and Beijing are in the middle of a heightened row, which first began after the former questioned the latter over its response to the coronavirus outbreak. China recently has also imposed trade sanctions on Australian products and sentenced to death an Australian citizen on drug smuggling charges. Australia's public broadcaster ABC mentioned "senior sources" to claim that China was believed to be behind such attacks. Last year Australia's parliament and political parties were targetted by state-backed players, with China emerging as the likely culprit. Canberra's former spymaster in 2019 accused Beijing of an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence-peddling in an attempt to "take over" Australia's political system Meanwhile, the Australian PM has warned opposition and state leaders of the cyberattacks. Morrison did not provide details on the type of attacks that had taken place but said no personal data had been affected and many of the attempts were unsuccessful.

Australian PM says country under cyber attacks by 'state-based actor'

Sensitive data about Australia&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-in-talks-with-india-to-sell-mig-35-fighter-jet-top-official-18205" target="_blank">F-35 stealth fighter</a> and P-8 surveillance aircraft programmes were stolen when a defence subcontractor was hacked using a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals, officials said Thursday.

The 50-person aerospace engineering firm was compromised in July last year but the national cybersecurity agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), only became aware of the breach in November, technology website ZDNet Australia reported.

Some 30GB of &quot;sensitive data&quot; subjected to restricted access under the US government&#39;s International Traffic in Arms Regulations rules were stolen, ASD&#39;s Mitchell Clarke told a security conference Wednesday according to ZDNet.

Clarke, who worked on the case and did not name the subcontractor, said information about the F-35, the US&#39; latest generation of fighter jets, as well as the P8, an advanced submarine hunter and surveillance craft, were lifted.

Another document was a wireframe diagram of one of the Australian Navy&#39;s new ships, where a viewer could &quot;zoom in down to the captain&#39;s chair&quot;.

The hackers used a tool called &quot;China Chopper&quot; which according to security experts is widely used by Chinese actors, and had gained access via an internet-facing server, he said.

In other parts of the network, the subcontractor also used internet-facing services that still had their default passwords &quot;admin&quot; and &quot;guest&quot;.

Those brought in to assess the attack nicknamed the hacker Alf after a character on the popular Australian soap &quot;Home and Away&quot;, Clarke said. The three month period where they were unaware of the breach they dubbed &quot;Alf&#39;s Mystery Happy Fun Time&quot;.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne told reporters in Adelaide &quot;the information they have breached is commercial&quot;.

&quot;It is not classified and it is not dangerous in terms of the military,&quot; he said.

Pyne added that Australia was increasingly a target for cybercriminals as it was undertaking a massive Aus$50 billion (US$39 billion) submarine project which he described as the world&#39;s largest.

The nation has also committed to buying 72 F-35A aircraft for Aus$17 billion.

He would not comment who might be behind the breach, only stating that the government was spending billions of dollars on cybersecurity.

Western governments have long accused hackers in China of plundering industrial, corporate and military secrets.

The revelations came just days after Assistant Minister for Cyber Security Dan Tehan said there were 47,000 cyber incidents in the last 12 months, a 15 percent jump from the previous year.

A key worry was 734 attacks that hit private sector national interest and critical infrastructure providers during the period, Tehan said.

Last year, the government&#39;s Cyber Security Centre revealed that foreign spies installed malicious software on the Bureau of Meteorology&#39;s system and stole an unknown number of documents.

A defence subcontractor was hacked with a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals

Sensitive data about Australia's F-35 stealth fighter and P-8 surveillance aircraft programmes were stolen when a defence subcontractor was hacked using a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals, officials said Thursday. The 50-person aerospace engineering firm was compromised in July last year but the national cybersecurity agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), only became aware of the breach in November, technology website ZDNet Australia reported. Some 30GB of "sensitive data" subjected to restricted access under the US government's International Traffic in Arms Regulations rules were stolen, ASD's Mitchell Clarke told a security conference Wednesday according to ZDNet. Clarke, who worked on the case and did not name the subcontractor, said information about the F-35, the US' latest generation of fighter jets, as well as the P8, an advanced submarine hunter and surveillance craft, were lifted. Another document was a wireframe diagram of one of the Australian Navy's new ships, where a viewer could "zoom in down to the captain's chair". The hackers used a tool called "China Chopper" which according to security experts is widely used by Chinese actors, and had gained access via an internet-facing server, he said. In other parts of the network, the subcontractor also used internet-facing services that still had their default passwords "admin" and "guest". Those brought in to assess the attack nicknamed the hacker Alf after a character on the popular Australian soap "Home and Away", Clarke said. The three month period where they were unaware of the breach they dubbed "Alf's Mystery Happy Fun Time". Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne told reporters in Adelaide "the information they have breached is commercial". "It is not classified and it is not dangerous in terms of the military," he said. Pyne added that Australia was increasingly a target for cybercriminals as it was undertaking a massive Aus$50 billion (US$39 billion) submarine project which he described as the world's largest. The nation has also committed to buying 72 F-35A aircraft for Aus$17 billion. He would not comment who might be behind the breach, only stating that the government was spending billions of dollars on cybersecurity. Western governments have long accused hackers in China of plundering industrial, corporate and military secrets. The revelations came just days after Assistant Minister for Cyber Security Dan Tehan said there were 47,000 cyber incidents in the last 12 months, a 15 percent jump from the previous year. A key worry was 734 attacks that hit private sector national interest and critical infrastructure providers during the period, Tehan said. Last year, the government's Cyber Security Centre revealed that foreign spies installed malicious software on the Bureau of Meteorology's system and stole an unknown number of documents.

Sensitive data on Australia's F-35 stealth fighter stolen in hack