In November, a group of hackers compromised the data of the health insurer Medibank and demanded a hefty ransom amount or else had threatened to sell the data of the firm's customers online. The hackers on Thursday dumped the final batch&nbsp;of that data on the dark web as they ended their extortion attempt data online, declaring: "Case closed".&nbsp;

The hackers had demanded Medibank to pay $9.7 million to keep the Australian health records off the internet. They placed another demand of one dollar for each of&nbsp;the company's impacted customers, which also included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.&nbsp;Medibank refused to pay anything on the urging of the federal government, which considers it illegal for hacked companies to pay the ransom amount.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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We’re aware stolen Medibank customer data has been released on the dark web overnight. We’re in the process of analysing the data, but it appears to be the data we believed the criminal stole. <a href="https://t.co/fS0PCJppNx">https://t.co/fS0PCJppNx</a>
— Medibank (@medibank) <a href="https://twitter.com/medibank/status/1598105937075929088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The final news from the hackers came on Thursday morning when they said that they had posted the last of the data online and chose this day as it coincides&nbsp;with International Computer Security Day.&nbsp; 
 
They wrote, "Happy Cyber Security Day. Added folder full. Case closed."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-to-ban-videos-that-promote-tanning-and-sunburn-after-medical-experts-raise-concerns-539014">TikTok to ban videos that promote tanning and sunburn after medical experts raise concerns</a>

The first batches of stolen data were uploaded on a dark web forum on 9th&nbsp;November, in curated posts highlighting the medical records about drug addiction, pregnancy terminations, and sexually transmitted infections.

In a statement after the data dump, Medibank said on Thursday, "While our investigation continues, there are currently no signs that financial or banking data has been taken."&nbsp;

In November, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw stated that the hackers were a group of "loosely affiliated cyber criminals" based in Russia. Cybersecurity experts believe they are linked to the Russian hacker group REvil.

The hackers have been dubbed "scumbags," "scummy criminals," and "rolled gold mongrels" by Australian government ministers.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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In November, a group of hackers compromised the data of the health insurer Medibank and demanded a hefty ransom amount or else had threatened to sell the data of the firm's customers online.

In November, a group of hackers compromised the data of the health insurer Medibank and demanded a hefty ransom amount or else had threatened to sell the data of the firm's customers online. The hackers on Thursday dumped the final batch of that data on the dark web as they ended their extortion attempt data online, declaring: "Case closed". The hackers had demanded Medibank to pay $9.7 million to keep the Australian health records off the internet. They placed another demand of one dollar for each of the company's impacted customers, which also included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Medibank refused to pay anything on the urging of the federal government, which considers it illegal for hacked companies to pay the ransom amount. We’re aware stolen Medibank customer data has been released on the dark web overnight. We’re in the process of analysing the data, but it appears to be the data we believed the criminal stole. https://t.co/fS0PCJppNx — Medibank (@medibank) December 1, 2022 × The final news from the hackers came on Thursday morning when they said that they had posted the last of the data online and chose this day as it coincides with International Computer Security Day. They wrote, "Happy Cyber Security Day. Added folder full. Case closed." Also Read | TikTok to ban videos that promote tanning and sunburn after medical experts raise concerns The first batches of stolen data were uploaded on a dark web forum on 9th November, in curated posts highlighting the medical records about drug addiction, pregnancy terminations, and sexually transmitted infections. In a statement after the data dump, Medibank said on Thursday, "While our investigation continues, there are currently no signs that financial or banking data has been taken." In November, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw stated that the hackers were a group of "loosely affiliated cyber criminals" based in Russia. Cybersecurity experts believe they are linked to the Russian hacker group REvil. The hackers have been dubbed "scumbags," "scummy criminals," and "rolled gold mongrels" by Australian government ministers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Not paid ransom, hackers dump Australian health data on dark web, wish 'Happy Cyber Security Day'

The Russian hacker group behind the leak of Medibank customer data has now posted claims for mental health treatment on the dark web. On Sunday night, a file was posted on the group's dark web blog titled “psychos”, containing hundreds of claims from policyholders that appear to be related to mental health treatment.

The group also said that had they been paid the ransom, they would not have not have posted the data.&nbsp;

“We never lies [sic] – it doesn’t make sense, if we lie to somebody – nobody will treat us as a serious business side [sic].”

“In a hope something meaningful happened [sic] on Wednesday”, the group said it would not publish another portion of the data until Friday.&nbsp;

Medibank is due to hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medibank-data-leak-russia-responds-after-australian-police-blame-hackers-based-in-russia-533549">Medibank data leak: Russia responds after Australian police blame hackers based in Russia</a>

A permanent joint standing operation comprising 100 members of the Australian federal police and Australian Signals Directorate to target hacker groups will be formed in the country to handle such attacks.&nbsp;

“They will show up to work every day with the goal of bringing down these gangs and thugs,” the home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, said Saturday.&nbsp;

“This is the formalisation of a partnership, a standing body in the Australian government, which will day in, day out, hunt down the scumbags who are responsible for these malicious crimes against innocent people.”

The Australian federal police commissioner, Reece Kershaw, had earlier called on Russia to cooperate with law enforcement investigations.&nbsp;

The Russian embassy in Canberra said, “Fighting cybercrime that adversely affects people’s lives and damages businesses demands a cooperative, non-politicized and responsible approach from all members of the world community.”

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&nbsp;

"For some reason, this announcement was made before the AFP even contacted the Russian side through the existing professional channels of communication," read the statement.&nbsp;

"We encourage the AFP to duly get in touch with the respective Russian law enforcement agencies."

O’Neil has also said the government was thinking about making paying ransoms illegal as part of the government’s overall cyber strategy. She said Medibank made the right call in not paying the ransom.

“I have never seen people that lack a moral code so clearly than the hackers who are releasing data about Australians online,” she told ABC’s Insiders program. “The idea we will trust these people to delete data, that they have taken off and may have copied a million times is, frankly, silly.”

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Russian hacker group behind the leak of Medibank customer data has now posted claims for mental health treatment on the dark web. On Sunday night, a file was posted on the group's dark web blog titled “psychos”, containing hundreds of claims from policyholders that appear to be related to mental health treatment.

The Russian hacker group behind the leak of Medibank customer data has now posted claims for mental health treatment on the dark web. On Sunday night, a file was posted on the group's dark web blog titled “psychos”, containing hundreds of claims from policyholders that appear to be related to mental health treatment. The group also said that had they been paid the ransom, they would not have not have posted the data. “We never lies [sic] – it doesn’t make sense, if we lie to somebody – nobody will treat us as a serious business side [sic].” “In a hope something meaningful happened [sic] on Wednesday”, the group said it would not publish another portion of the data until Friday. Medibank is due to hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday. Also Read | Medibank data leak: Russia responds after Australian police blame hackers based in Russia A permanent joint standing operation comprising 100 members of the Australian federal police and Australian Signals Directorate to target hacker groups will be formed in the country to handle such attacks. “They will show up to work every day with the goal of bringing down these gangs and thugs,” the home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, said Saturday. “This is the formalisation of a partnership, a standing body in the Australian government, which will day in, day out, hunt down the scumbags who are responsible for these malicious crimes against innocent people.” The Australian federal police commissioner, Reece Kershaw, had earlier called on Russia to cooperate with law enforcement investigations. The Russian embassy in Canberra said, “Fighting cybercrime that adversely affects people’s lives and damages businesses demands a cooperative, non-politicized and responsible approach from all members of the world community.” × "For some reason, this announcement was made before the AFP even contacted the Russian side through the existing professional channels of communication," read the statement. "We encourage the AFP to duly get in touch with the respective Russian law enforcement agencies." O’Neil has also said the government was thinking about making paying ransoms illegal as part of the government’s overall cyber strategy. She said Medibank made the right call in not paying the ransom. “I have never seen people that lack a moral code so clearly than the hackers who are releasing data about Australians online,” she told ABC’s Insiders program. “The idea we will trust these people to delete data, that they have taken off and may have copied a million times is, frankly, silly.” (With inputs from agencies)

Medibank hackers post mental health data on dark web

Hours after&nbsp;Australian Federal Police (AFP) blamed Russian hackers for the Medibank hack, the Russian embassy on Friday evening released a statement, criticising AFP and its&nbsp;Commissioner Reece&nbsp;Kershaw's decision to openly blame Moscow.&nbsp;

"For some reason, this announcement was made before the AFP even contacted the Russian side through the existing professional channels of communication," read the statement.&nbsp;

"We encourage the AFP to duly get in touch with the respective Russian law enforcement agencies."

The Russian embassy added that fighting cybercrime that affects people's lives and damages businesses, "demands a cooperative, non-politicised and responsible approach from all members of the world community."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/medibank-leak-hackers-demand-ransom-to-stop-leaking-records-532968">WATCH |&nbsp;Medibank leak: Hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records</a>

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What did Australian authorities say?

As reported by WION, on Friday, AFP chief&nbsp;Kershaw blamed Russia after&nbsp;another tranche of data from the medical insurer firm related to abortion was leaked online.&nbsp;

“The AFP is undertaking covert measures and working around the clock with our domestic agencies and our international networks including Interpol. This is important, because&nbsp;we believe those responsible for the breach are in Russia,”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medibank-data-leak-hackers-now-release-info-related-to-abortion-533115">Read more: Medibank data leak: Australian police blame Russian hackers</a>

AFP chief Kershaw said that they will be holding talks with the Russian law effacement to nab the cyber criminals.

“Our intelligence points to a group of loosely affiliated cybercriminals who are likely responsible for past significant breaches in countries across the world. These cybercriminals are operating like a business with affiliates and associates who are supporting the business. We also believe some affiliates may be in other countries,” he said.

What has happened at Medibank?

Medibank, the largest health insurance company in&nbsp;Australia covering&nbsp;one-sixth of its citizens had its data breached by hackers. Since then, the&nbsp;medical and personal information of its customers has been released on dark web with hackers demanding ransom for the data.&nbsp;

Among the customers of Medibank is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who expressed concern that his personal information, among those leaked, might also be available to the public.

"I’m disgusted by the Medibank attack. And I know all Australians are rightly distressed by the release of deeply personal information. We need to stand together at a time like this," tweeted Albanese.&nbsp;

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I’m disgusted by the Medibank attack. 
 
And I know all Australians are rightly distressed by the release of deeply personal information. 
 
We need to stand together at a time like this. <a href="https://t.co/Rjz5zLha08">pic.twitter.com/Rjz5zLha08</a>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1590950953246949376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The company, however, has assured that no credit card or banking details were accessed in the leak.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hours after Australian Federal Police (AFP) blamed Russian hackers for the Medibank hack, the Russian embassy on Friday evening released a statement, criticising AFP and its Commissioner Reece Kershaw's decision to openly blame Moscow.

Hours after Australian Federal Police (AFP) blamed Russian hackers for the Medibank hack, the Russian embassy on Friday evening released a statement, criticising AFP and its Commissioner Reece Kershaw's decision to openly blame Moscow. "For some reason, this announcement was made before the AFP even contacted the Russian side through the existing professional channels of communication," read the statement. "We encourage the AFP to duly get in touch with the respective Russian law enforcement agencies." The Russian embassy added that fighting cybercrime that affects people's lives and damages businesses, "demands a cooperative, non-politicised and responsible approach from all members of the world community." WATCH | Medibank leak: Hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records × What did Australian authorities say? As reported by WION, on Friday, AFP chief Kershaw blamed Russia after another tranche of data from the medical insurer firm related to abortion was leaked online. “The AFP is undertaking covert measures and working around the clock with our domestic agencies and our international networks including Interpol. This is important, because we believe those responsible for the breach are in Russia,” Read more: Medibank data leak: Australian police blame Russian hackers AFP chief Kershaw said that they will be holding talks with the Russian law effacement to nab the cyber criminals. “Our intelligence points to a group of loosely affiliated cybercriminals who are likely responsible for past significant breaches in countries across the world. These cybercriminals are operating like a business with affiliates and associates who are supporting the business. We also believe some affiliates may be in other countries,” he said. What has happened at Medibank? Medibank, the largest health insurance company in Australia covering one-sixth of its citizens had its data breached by hackers. Since then, the medical and personal information of its customers has been released on dark web with hackers demanding ransom for the data. Among the customers of Medibank is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who expressed concern that his personal information, among those leaked, might also be available to the public. "I’m disgusted by the Medibank attack. And I know all Australians are rightly distressed by the release of deeply personal information. We need to stand together at a time like this," tweeted Albanese. I’m disgusted by the Medibank attack. And I know all Australians are rightly distressed by the release of deeply personal information. We need to stand together at a time like this. pic.twitter.com/Rjz5zLha08 — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 11, 2022 × The company, however, has assured that no credit card or banking details were accessed in the leak. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Medibank data leak: Russia responds after Australian police blame hackers based in Russia

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has blamed Russian hackers for the Medibank hack, hours after another tranche of data from the medical insurer firm related to abortion was leaked online.

“The AFP is undertaking covert measures and working around the clock with our domestic agencies and our international networks including Interpol. This is important, because&nbsp;we believe those responsible for the breach are in Russia,” AFP chief&nbsp;Reece Kershaw&nbsp;said on Friday.

The hackers had released data of customers of Australia’s largest health insurer, including documents related to abortions.

Abortion data was the second time in two weeks that the personal information of policyholders was released. Last week, data relating to medical procedure history, along with names and addresses of the users of Medibank was leaked after the insurer refused to pay a ransom.

“Added one more file Boozy.csv ...,” the ransomware group wrote in a blog update on the dark web in the early hours of Friday.

Medibank leak: Hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records

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“But we warned you. we always keep our word, if we wouldn’t receive a ransom – we should post this data, because nobody will believe us in the future.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese termed the leak “disgusting and … totally reprehensible,” and said that the government was trying to curb the impact of the data breach and aiding people who have been affected by it.

The hackers stole data of 9.7 million Medibank customers last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-of-personal-data-leaked-online-after-medibank-refuses-to-pay-ransom-532442">Millions of personal data leaked online after Medibank refuses to pay ransom</a>&nbsp;

AFP chief Kershaw said that they will be holding talks with the Russian law effacement to nab the cybercriminals.

“Our intelligence points to a group of loosely affiliated cybercriminals who are likely responsible for past significant breaches in countries across the world. These cybercriminals are operating like a business with affiliates and associates who are supporting the business. We also believe some affiliates may be in other countries,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyberattacks-rise-four-fold-in-australia-says-government-report-531148">Cyberattacks rise four-fold in Australia, 76,000 complaints registered last year: Govt report</a>

“Everyone involved in this attack is the focus of the ongoing investigation through the AFP-led operation Pallidus.&nbsp;We believe we know which individuals are responsible but I will not be naming them.&nbsp;What I will say is that we’ll be holding talks with Russian law enforcement about these individuals,” he added.

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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has blamed Russian hackers for the Medibank hack, hours after another tranche of data from the medical insurer firm related to abortion was leaked online.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has blamed Russian hackers for the Medibank hack, hours after another tranche of data from the medical insurer firm related to abortion was leaked online. “The AFP is undertaking covert measures and working around the clock with our domestic agencies and our international networks including Interpol. This is important, because we believe those responsible for the breach are in Russia,” AFP chief Reece Kershaw said on Friday. The hackers had released data of customers of Australia’s largest health insurer, including documents related to abortions. Abortion data was the second time in two weeks that the personal information of policyholders was released. Last week, data relating to medical procedure history, along with names and addresses of the users of Medibank was leaked after the insurer refused to pay a ransom. “Added one more file Boozy.csv ...,” the ransomware group wrote in a blog update on the dark web in the early hours of Friday. Medibank leak: Hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records “But we warned you. we always keep our word, if we wouldn’t receive a ransom – we should post this data, because nobody will believe us in the future.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese termed the leak “disgusting and … totally reprehensible,” and said that the government was trying to curb the impact of the data breach and aiding people who have been affected by it. The hackers stole data of 9.7 million Medibank customers last month. Also read | Millions of personal data leaked online after Medibank refuses to pay ransom AFP chief Kershaw said that they will be holding talks with the Russian law effacement to nab the cybercriminals. “Our intelligence points to a group of loosely affiliated cybercriminals who are likely responsible for past significant breaches in countries across the world. These cybercriminals are operating like a business with affiliates and associates who are supporting the business. We also believe some affiliates may be in other countries,” he said. Also read | Cyberattacks rise four-fold in Australia, 76,000 complaints registered last year: Govt report “Everyone involved in this attack is the focus of the ongoing investigation through the AFP-led operation Pallidus. We believe we know which individuals are responsible but I will not be naming them. What I will say is that we’ll be holding talks with Russian law enforcement about these individuals,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Medibank data leak: Australian police blame Russian hackers

Personal data of millions of customers of Australia’s largest health insurer Medibank was leaked online on Wednesday, a month after it was stolen by hackers.

The data of around 9.7 million Medibank customers was posted online after the insurer refused to pay a ransom.

Among the customers of Medibank is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who expressed concern that his personal information, among those leaked, might also be available to the public.

"This is really tough for people," he said on Wednesday, according to BBC.

Data relating to medical procedure history, along with names, addresses, birthdates and government ID numbers, were said to have been leaked online.

Around midnight, a ransomware group, whose identity is unknown, posted on its darknet blog that “data will be published in 24 hours”.

“P.S. I recommend to sell medibank stocks.” More data will be posted soon, the blogpost says.

Watch |&nbsp;Australia unveils privacy rule changes after Optus data breach

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According to the Guardian, the threat was posted on a site linked to the REvil Russian ransomware group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyberattacks-rise-four-fold-in-australia-says-government-report-531148">Cyberattacks rise four-fold in Australia, 76,000 complaints registered last year: Govt report</a>

The site was taken down in October last year, but it is believed to have emerged again in April this year.

Medibank chief executive David Koczar in a statement termed the data leak as a “distressing development”, but has remained silent on whether the same group was involved in the breach with which the company was communicating for ransom.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-launches-operation-guardian-to-protect-optus-data-breach-victims-521194">Australia launches 'Operation Guardian' to protect Optus data breach victims</a>

“Customers should remain vigilant. We knew the publication of data online by the criminal could be a possibility, but the criminal’s threat is still a distressing development for our customers,” he said.

The company, however, has assured that no credit card or banking details were accessed in the leak.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Personal data of millions of customers of Australia’s largest health insurer Medibank was leaked online on Wednesday, a month after it was stolen by hackers. The data of around 9.

Personal data of millions of customers of Australia’s largest health insurer Medibank was leaked online on Wednesday, a month after it was stolen by hackers. The data of around 9.7 million Medibank customers was posted online after the insurer refused to pay a ransom. Among the customers of Medibank is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who expressed concern that his personal information, among those leaked, might also be available to the public. "This is really tough for people," he said on Wednesday, according to BBC. Data relating to medical procedure history, along with names, addresses, birthdates and government ID numbers, were said to have been leaked online. Around midnight, a ransomware group, whose identity is unknown, posted on its darknet blog that “data will be published in 24 hours”. “P.S. I recommend to sell medibank stocks.” More data will be posted soon, the blogpost says. Watch | Australia unveils privacy rule changes after Optus data breach According to the Guardian, the threat was posted on a site linked to the REvil Russian ransomware group. Also read | Cyberattacks rise four-fold in Australia, 76,000 complaints registered last year: Govt report The site was taken down in October last year, but it is believed to have emerged again in April this year. Medibank chief executive David Koczar in a statement termed the data leak as a “distressing development”, but has remained silent on whether the same group was involved in the breach with which the company was communicating for ransom. Also read | Australia launches 'Operation Guardian' to protect Optus data breach victims “Customers should remain vigilant. We knew the publication of data online by the criminal could be a possibility, but the criminal’s threat is still a distressing development for our customers,” he said. The company, however, has assured that no credit card or banking details were accessed in the leak. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Millions of personal data leaked online after Medibank refuses to pay ransom

Hackers have targeted one of Australia's largest pathology providers and stolen medical data of thousands of patients, the second such breach in the country within two weeks, deepening fears about how companies collect and secure sensitive information of their customers, reported&nbsp;Reuters. 
 
The revelation on Thursday further extends the wave of hackings that have shaken the country's biggest companies and shares of Australian Clinical Labs Ltd tanked to their lowest point since listing last year. A day earlier, Australia’s No. 1 health insurer Medibank Private Ltd had reported that hackers had stolen personal data of its all four million customers. 
 
ACL said on Thursday that it first learnt of the unauthorised access to the IT system of its pathology unit, Medlab, in February and received advice that no information was compromised, but the government cybersecurity agency notified it in June that its data had been posted on the dark web, a system of websites only accessible through certain browsers. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-biggest-health-insurer-medibank-reports-huge-data-breach-527061">Australia's biggest health insurer Medibank reports huge data breach</a> 
 
ACL then hired forensic analysts to study the "complex and unstructured" data-set found there and gathered that data of 223,000 patients had been exposed in the breach, and it included the medical and health records of about 18,000 people, said the Reuters report. 
 
“There was no ransom demand or evidence of data misuse, but we recognise the concern and inconvenience this incident may cause to those who have used Medlab's services and have taken steps to identify individuals affected,” ACL Chief Executive Officer Melinda McGrath said in a statement. 
 
Companies in Australia have been bracing since Sept. 22, when the country's second-largest telco, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd-owned Optus, disclosed a security breach and theft of personal data of nearly 10 million customer accounts, equivalent to 40% of the country's population. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-bring-legislation-for-tougher-penalties-on-data-breaches-527711">Australia to bring legislation for tougher penalties on hackers for data breaches</a> 
 
Grocery chain Woolworths Group Ltd also shared that the data of millions of customers using its bargain shopping website had been compromised. Several smaller and unlisted companies also revealed data breaches by hackers, prompting lawyers to question the amount of data that private enterprises should collect, and store for how long.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Hackers have targeted one of Australia's largest pathology providers and stolen medical data of thousands of patients, the second such breach in the country within two weeks, deepening fears about how companies collect and secure sensitive information of their customers, reported Reuters.

Hackers have targeted one of Australia's largest pathology providers and stolen medical data of thousands of patients, the second such breach in the country within two weeks, deepening fears about how companies collect and secure sensitive information of their customers, reported Reuters. The revelation on Thursday further extends the wave of hackings that have shaken the country's biggest companies and shares of Australian Clinical Labs Ltd tanked to their lowest point since listing last year. A day earlier, Australia’s No. 1 health insurer Medibank Private Ltd had reported that hackers had stolen personal data of its all four million customers. ACL said on Thursday that it first learnt of the unauthorised access to the IT system of its pathology unit, Medlab, in February and received advice that no information was compromised, but the government cybersecurity agency notified it in June that its data had been posted on the dark web, a system of websites only accessible through certain browsers. ALSO READ | Australia's biggest health insurer Medibank reports huge data breach ACL then hired forensic analysts to study the "complex and unstructured" data-set found there and gathered that data of 223,000 patients had been exposed in the breach, and it included the medical and health records of about 18,000 people, said the Reuters report. “There was no ransom demand or evidence of data misuse, but we recognise the concern and inconvenience this incident may cause to those who have used Medlab's services and have taken steps to identify individuals affected,” ACL Chief Executive Officer Melinda McGrath said in a statement. Companies in Australia have been bracing since Sept. 22, when the country's second-largest telco, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd-owned Optus, disclosed a security breach and theft of personal data of nearly 10 million customer accounts, equivalent to 40% of the country's population. ALSO READ | Australia to bring legislation for tougher penalties on hackers for data breaches Grocery chain Woolworths Group Ltd also shared that the data of millions of customers using its bargain shopping website had been compromised. Several smaller and unlisted companies also revealed data breaches by hackers, prompting lawyers to question the amount of data that private enterprises should collect, and store for how long. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hacking scourge widens in Australia, data of 223,000 patients stolen at pathology providers

Australia's biggest health insurer, Medibank Private Ltd, revealed on Wednesday that a cyber hack had compromised data of all of its nearly four million customers. It also said finances worth A$25 million to A$35 million ($16 million to $22.3 million) have also taken a hit in the first-half earnings.

The breach was reported earlier this month and the company at that time had not reported how many customers had been affected, or the financial ramifications of it.&nbsp;

But on Wednesday it said that all personal and significant amounts of health claims data of all its customers were compromised in the breach. Shares also fell more than 14 per cent, its biggest one-day slide since listing in 2014.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-biggest-health-insurer-medibank-reports-huge-data-breach-527061">Australia's biggest health insurer Medibank reports huge data breach</a>

Medibank covers around one-sixth of Australians and it said the estimated cost did not include further potential remediation or regulatory expenses.

"Our investigation has now established that this criminal has accessed all our private health insurance customers' personal data and significant amounts of their health claims data," chief executive David Koczkar said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I apologise unreservedly to our customers. This is a terrible crime – this is a crime designed to cause maximum harm to the most vulnerable members of our community."

The company reiterated that its IT systems had not been encrypted by ransomware.&nbsp;It said that it will continue to monitor for any further suspicious activity.

"Everywhere we have identified a breach, it is now closed," John Goodall, Medibank's top technology executive, told an analyst call on Wednesday.

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The country has been hit by several cyber attacks in recent times, sending warning bells for the government and corporate sector. The country's No. 2 telco, Singapore Telecommunciations Ltd-owned Optus, suffered a similar data breach where about 10 million customer accounts were exposed.

The hacker demanded random to keep the data safe, which he later withdrew over concerns about publicity.

The government has meanwhile said it would introduce fines of up to A$50 million for companies on the receiving end of data breaches.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Australia's biggest health insurer, Medibank Private Ltd, revealed on Wednesday that a cyber hack had compromised data of all of its nearly four million customers.

Australia's biggest health insurer, Medibank Private Ltd, revealed on Wednesday that a cyber hack had compromised data of all of its nearly four million customers. It also said finances worth A$25 million to A$35 million ($16 million to $22.3 million) have also taken a hit in the first-half earnings. The breach was reported earlier this month and the company at that time had not reported how many customers had been affected, or the financial ramifications of it. But on Wednesday it said that all personal and significant amounts of health claims data of all its customers were compromised in the breach. Shares also fell more than 14 per cent, its biggest one-day slide since listing in 2014. Also Read | Australia's biggest health insurer Medibank reports huge data breach Medibank covers around one-sixth of Australians and it said the estimated cost did not include further potential remediation or regulatory expenses. "Our investigation has now established that this criminal has accessed all our private health insurance customers' personal data and significant amounts of their health claims data," chief executive David Koczkar said in a statement. "I apologise unreservedly to our customers. This is a terrible crime – this is a crime designed to cause maximum harm to the most vulnerable members of our community." The company reiterated that its IT systems had not been encrypted by ransomware. It said that it will continue to monitor for any further suspicious activity. "Everywhere we have identified a breach, it is now closed," John Goodall, Medibank's top technology executive, told an analyst call on Wednesday. × The country has been hit by several cyber attacks in recent times, sending warning bells for the government and corporate sector. The country's No. 2 telco, Singapore Telecommunciations Ltd-owned Optus, suffered a similar data breach where about 10 million customer accounts were exposed. The hacker demanded random to keep the data safe, which he later withdrew over concerns about publicity. The government has meanwhile said it would introduce fines of up to A$50 million for companies on the receiving end of data breaches. (With inputs from agencies)

Data of all its nearly 4mn customers compromised by the hack, says Medibank

Another data hack has hit Australia, and this time Australia's biggest health insurer fell victim. Medibank Private Ltd, which covers one-sixth of Australians, said on Thursday customers' medical information has been stolen as part of a massive breach of data.

The company said an unidentified person contacted them and showed stolen personal information of 100 customers, including medical diagnoses and procedures. Around 200 gigabytes of data has been stolen&nbsp;in the theft first disclosed by the company a week earlier.

It isn't known how many of its four million customers have been affected, but the company warned the number was likely to rise. An investigation has been initiated by the Australian Federal Police.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-launches-operation-guardian-to-protect-optus-data-breach-victims-521194">Australia launches 'Operation Guardian' to protect Optus data breach victims</a>

A wave of cyber attacks has gripped Australia's biggest firms in recent weeks. Telco company Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, revealed a month ago that data of up to 10 million customers may have been stolen.

While the issue of hackers using stolen data to access bank accounts has been the primary concern till now, there is a new twist to it. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that a person claiming to be the Medibank hacker messaged the paper and threatened to publish medical records of high-profile individuals unless the person were paid.

"What we have here is ... healthcare information and that just on its own being made public can cause immense harm to Australians and that's why we are so engaged with this," Cybersecurity Minister Clare O'Neill told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Cybersecurity experts are not sure if the two hacks are related. However, they do think that the publicity generated by the Optus attack may have drawn attention in hacker networks.

"When you do have a highly visible breach like Optus in Australia out there, hackers take notice of that and go 'maybe I'll have a go down there and see what I can get away with,'" said Jeremy Kirk, executive editor at Information Security Media Group, a cybersecurity specialist publication.

Optus rival Telstra Corp Ltd also disclosed a small breach of employee data. The top grocery chain Woolworths Group Ltd said certain people had gotten hold of customer database of a bargain website used by 2.2 million shoppers.

Dan Woods, a former FBI cyberterrorism investigator and current head of intelligence at cybersecurity firm F5, told Reuters that Australia had "undoubtedly experienced its worst few weeks from a cybercrime perspective, but on the positive side it's been a wake-up call the country may have needed".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Another data hack has hit Australia, and this time Australia's biggest health insurer fell victim. Medibank Private Ltd, which covers one-sixth of Australians, said on Thursday customers' medical information has been stolen as part of a massive breach of data.

Another data hack has hit Australia, and this time Australia's biggest health insurer fell victim. Medibank Private Ltd, which covers one-sixth of Australians, said on Thursday customers' medical information has been stolen as part of a massive breach of data. The company said an unidentified person contacted them and showed stolen personal information of 100 customers, including medical diagnoses and procedures. Around 200 gigabytes of data has been stolen in the theft first disclosed by the company a week earlier. It isn't known how many of its four million customers have been affected, but the company warned the number was likely to rise. An investigation has been initiated by the Australian Federal Police. Also Read | Australia launches 'Operation Guardian' to protect Optus data breach victims A wave of cyber attacks has gripped Australia's biggest firms in recent weeks. Telco company Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, revealed a month ago that data of up to 10 million customers may have been stolen. While the issue of hackers using stolen data to access bank accounts has been the primary concern till now, there is a new twist to it. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that a person claiming to be the Medibank hacker messaged the paper and threatened to publish medical records of high-profile individuals unless the person were paid. "What we have here is ... healthcare information and that just on its own being made public can cause immense harm to Australians and that's why we are so engaged with this," Cybersecurity Minister Clare O'Neill told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Cybersecurity experts are not sure if the two hacks are related. However, they do think that the publicity generated by the Optus attack may have drawn attention in hacker networks. "When you do have a highly visible breach like Optus in Australia out there, hackers take notice of that and go 'maybe I'll have a go down there and see what I can get away with,'" said Jeremy Kirk, executive editor at Information Security Media Group, a cybersecurity specialist publication. Optus rival Telstra Corp Ltd also disclosed a small breach of employee data. The top grocery chain Woolworths Group Ltd said certain people had gotten hold of customer database of a bargain website used by 2.2 million shoppers. Dan Woods, a former FBI cyberterrorism investigator and current head of intelligence at cybersecurity firm F5, told Reuters that Australia had "undoubtedly experienced its worst few weeks from a cybercrime perspective, but on the positive side it's been a wake-up call the country may have needed". (With inputs from agencies)

Australia's biggest health insurer Medibank reports huge data breach