Australia’s Information Commissioner has filed civil claims against Medibank alleging it ignored the privacy rights of Australians by failing to take adequate steps to protect their data, Reuters reported on June 6.
Acting Commissioner Elizabeth Tidd stated that “Medibank did not take reasonable measures to protect personal information” from theft and misuse by criminals. The commissioner said the case should serve as an important reminder for Australian businesses to strengthen their digital defenses against cyber threats.
In 2022, the bank reported a cyberattack during which hackers gained access to the personal data of 9.7 million current and former Medibank customers and made it public. This was one of the largest data breaches in Australian history.
The Federal Court of Australia has the power to impose a fine of up to 2.22 million Australian dollars (130 million rubles) for each violation of the Australian Privacy Act. Medibank has publicly stated its intention to fight the lawsuit.
Australia has seen a rise in cybercrime over the past two years, prompting the government to introduce security reforms and create a separate agency to oversee public investment and coordinate the fight against cyberattacks.
Also read: In Canada they reported that they do not confront cybercrimes
Source: Rossa Primavera
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