Optus revealed that it had been the target of a large cyber-attack stealing 9.7 million customers personal data
The data of millions of Optus users reportedly became internet accessible as a result of a recent hack, according to reports being investigated by the Australian federal police. One user made a demand for $1,000,000 in Monero cryptocurrency on a data market on Saturday morning. The user claimed ownership of the data that was collected through the breach.
A sample of the data was posted by the user. The sample appeared to match real-world places and persons, which, in the opinion of cybersecurity expert Jeremy Kirk, indicated the post was authentic.
He said on the internet that “11.2 million users’ Optus account data is allegedly taken by someone.” They want Optus to pay them $1 million in Monero coins to stop selling the data to outside parties. They threaten to sell it in parcels if they don’t.
Even if Optus were to pay the ransom, there is no guarantee the user would keep a pledge not to sell the content elsewhere. To verify some of the details, Kirk asserted that he had spoken with a neighbor whose name and address was on the sample.
A representative of AFP claimed that the company was aware of claims that the data had been made available for sale, even if this information couldn’t be immediately confirmed. The AFP said that sources claim that stolen Optus customer data and login credentials may be sold on a variety of websites, including the dark web.
The AFP is making use of sophisticated tools to keep an eye on the dark web and other technologies, and it won’t hesitate to take legal action against anyone who breaks the law. The representative warned that buying credentials that had been stolen was against the law and might result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Optus revealed on Thursday that it had been the target of a large cyber-attack in which up to 9.7 million customers’ names, dates of birth, addresses, and contact details had been taken. Numerous customers have spoken of their anxious wait for Optus to contact them or having to call the company directly to learn whether they had been affected by the attack.
