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An administrative error has seen hundreds of email addresses of Australian crime victims shared in an email.
On Thursday last week (26 September), the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT), which is a Victorian agency that financially assists victims of crime, sent an email informing recipients of some administrative changes.
However, the email addresses of all recipients were visible to all other recipients.
According to the ABC, which originally reported on the incident, 480 email addresses were visible in the email, a large number of which included first and last names.
The publication also noted two recall emails in which VOCAT apologised for the issue and said it is working to recall the email.
“This email was sent in error, and we apologise,” said one email.
“We are working to recall and contain the message. Please disregard and delete the previous email.”
Cyber Daily reached out to VOCAT regarding the incident, to which a Court Services Victoria spokesperson confirmed the incident was an accident.
“On Thursday afternoon, a number of email addresses of individuals who had previously contacted the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) were unintentionally shared between the recipients after an email was sent in error,” said the spokesperson.
“The email was a general update about changes to procedure and did not contain any sensitive information.”
While the email was recalled, VOCAT said that some recipients opened the email and thus would have access to the email addresses of other recipients.
“All those impacted have been contacted, and VOCAT unreservedly apologises for the error. VOCAT is looking at measures to ensure this does not happen again,” it said.
“VOCAT is mindful of the distress the unauthorised sharing of email addresses can cause, and offers of support are being made to all involved.
“Any email recipients who may be feeling concerned have been encouraged to phone the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817 for information, advice and support. Additional support arrangements are being finalised, and further details will be provided to affected persons shortly.”
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