{"id":326124,"date":"2022-11-09T15:58:22","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T05:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=326124"},"modified":"2022-11-09T15:59:07","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T05:59:07","slug":"afp-to-protect-medibank-clients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2022\/11\/09\/afp-to-protect-medibank-clients\/","title":{"rendered":"AFP ‘To Protect Medibank Clients’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough speaking at a media conference on Wednesday (Photo: AFP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

November 9, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Australian Federal Police have expanded Operation Guardian in a bid to protect Medibank Private customers whose personal information has been illegally released online.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson said the AFP was aware very personal information had been released on the dark web and had immediately taken measures, including covert techniques, to identify further criminal activity.<\/p>\n

Investigators within the AFP\u2019s Cyber Command were working with public and private sector agencies to scour the internet and known criminal online sites to identify people buying or selling personal identification information.<\/p>\n

It is an offence to buy stolen information online, which could include a penalty of up to 10 years\u2019 jail. It is also an offence to blackmail or menace customers.<\/p>\n

The AFP-led Operation Pallidus, which is focussed on the criminal data breach, is also working with Commonwealth agencies and “Five Eyes” partners (ie. the intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States), including the FBI.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The spokesperson said the AFP had significant powers which should be a chilling reminder to hackers, and those who will attempt to piggyback off them, that they will be relentlessly pursued.<\/p>\n

Operation Guardian, a joint initiative with State and Territory police, was set up in September to protect more than 10,000 Optus customers whose credentials were unlawfully released online.<\/p>\n

It has now been extended to include Medibank Private customers.<\/p>\n

Assistant Commissioner Cyber Command Justine Gough said the criminals behind the latest attack may be offshore but that would not deter the AFP.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have significant powers, determination and access to international law enforcement networks to help investigate this breach,” she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not just an attack on an Australian business. Law enforcement agencies across the globe know this a crime type that is borderless and requires evidence and capabilities to be shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an offence to buy stolen data, which could be used for financial crimes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as importantly, the AFP is aware that the unlawful release of private health information can be distressing and embarrassing for some of those affected by the Medibank data breach.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the customers impacted by this latest breach, please do not be embarrassed to contact police through ReportCyber if a person contacts you online, by phone or by SMS threatening to release your data unless payment is made.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBlackmail is an offence and those who misuse stolen personal information for financial gain face a penalty of up to 10 years\u2019 imprisonment.<\/p>\n

\u201cOperation Guardian will be actively monitoring the clear, dark and deep web for the sale and distribution of Medibank Private and Optus data.<\/p>\n

\u201cLaw enforcement will take swift action against anyone attempting to benefit, exploit or commit criminal offences using stolen Medibank Private data.<\/p>\n

Assistant Commissioner Gough said just downloading or accessing stolen Medibank Private data may constitute a criminal offence.<\/p>\n

The public have been encouraged to:<\/strong><\/p>\n