Breach referred to relevant state, federal authorities and ACSC
The Tasmanian Government continues to investigate a compromise of a third-party file transfer service, which may have resulted in the loss of data held by the Government.
Minister for Science and Technology, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the security of government information and the safety of Tasmanians-remains of paramount importance.
“We have referred the potential breach to relevant State and Federal authorities, including police and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC),” Minister Ogilvie said.
The Tasmanian Government is one of many organisations using the third-party file transfer service GoAnywhere MFT, which disclosed a software vulnerability that had possibly been exploited globally.
“We are taking swift action to investigate this breach and ascertain if any information has been compromised. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available,” the Minister said.
“Our government reiterates that if the investigation reveals any personal information has been compromised, we will work with anyone affected and ensure support is available.”
“The nature of the information in possession of the third-party contractor at the time of the compromise is part of the current investigations,” she said.
“We are taking swift action to investigate this breach and ascertain if any information has been compromised. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.”
Minister Ogilvie, who recently attended a Cyber Security Networking Breakfast hosted by TasICT and Telstra, said “the security of government information and the safety of Tasmanians will always be of paramount importance.”
In an update on the investigations, the Government has now identified the types of information that may have been accessed.
“The latest investigations indicate a risk that financial data from the Department for Education, Children and Young People may have been accessed in the global incident,” Minister Ogilvie said
“This may include names, addresses, invoices, and bank account numbers.
“I stress there is no confirmation such information has been stolen and reiterate that no Tasmanian Government IT systems have been hacked.
“I understand reports such as this may cause concern in the community.
“That’s why we will continue to keep the Tasmanian community updated and advise where support can be accessed.
“It is important that the community is aware of the possible theft so they can be vigilant and if needed, take practical steps including staying alert for any suspicious financial activity or attempted scams.
“The Government will continue to closely monitor and investigate the situation and we will act immediately if there are any updates.”
There are several resources and support services that Tasmanians can access in relation to data security and financial crime.
“We fully understand how concerning this development is to all Tasmanians, and we are already in the process of contacting anyone affected,” the Minister said.
“At this point in time, our advice is there are approximately 16,000 documents that have been released.
“The information released includes financial invoices and statements –including information relating to student assistance applications and may include names and addresses.
“We knew this was a very real risk, which is why arrangements were made to bolster resources over the Easter break.
“We continue to urge people to stay alert for any suspicious financial activity or attempted scams, and a dedicated webpage has been created to assist with enquiries and information.
“A dedicated hotline has also been stood up on 1800 567 567 between 9am–6pm to provide Tasmanians with advice and support, should they need it.
“We have also engaged the services of IDCare, Australia’s national identity and cyber support service and we are establishing other specialist support.”
“The Government will continue to closely monitor and investigate the situation and we will act immediately if there are any updates, and to keep the community informed at every step.”
The Tasmanian Government will continue to work with relevant State and Federal authorities, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Tags: ASCSTasmaina Government
