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After reporting a cyber attack that disrupted many of its communications systems, Fire Rescue Victoria has now said it is referring the incident to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, as more details of the hack come to light.
Admitting that it is a “complex task” to find out what data may have been compromised, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) now believes personal data of employees may have been breached. FRV believes two cohorts may have been affected.
“Although we do not have evidence that personal information has been accessed or stolen from our systems, given the nature of the cyber attack, we have reasonable grounds to believe that personal information of current and former employees, individual contractors and secondees of FRV and the former Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (as well as job applicants and other individuals) may have been accessed or stolen by a malicious third party,” the FRV’s AIC notification reads.
The list of information that may have been exposed is quite broad, covering names and addresses, email and phone details, health information, superannuation details, and further identifying information, such as Tax File numbers and passport details.
FRV has now set up a dedicated page for those affected by the breach, with advice for victims to follow to protect themselves online.
In addition, FRV is now offering free identity protection via IDCARE to victims, and credit monitoring via Equifax.
“We encourage those who may be affected to remain vigilant with all online communications, validate any information they receive and follow other cyber security tips such as changing their passwords regularly,” a spokesperson for FRV said in a statement on January 6.
“FRV will attempt to contact those individuals who have records on file to alert them to these tips and the support available. Individuals are encouraged to visit the FRV website for further information.”
The cyber attack was initially reported in December of last year, when FRV reported that much of its IT systems had been impacted. The attack has not impacted its ability to respond to incidents, however.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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