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The massive Optus data breach has put current and former customers at risk of becoming identity theft victims, with Norton warning that cyber criminals can leverage the security incident for fraudulent activity.
Norton warns that Aussies affected by the Optus breach may find their data fraudulently used by cyber criminals, placing them at risk of becoming identity theft victims.
Scamwatch, run by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned that Optus customers should be vigilant as names, dates of birth, phone numbers and email addresses could be part of the data that have been released by the hackers.
“For some customers identity document numbers such as driver’s licence or passport numbers could be in the hands of criminals,” Scamwatch stated.
“It is important to be aware that you be may be at risk of identity theft and take urgent action to prevent harm.”
Identity theft can lead to lost funds, Norton researchers noted, which can enable cyber criminals to take out loans or apply and secure credit in the account holder’s name.
Anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft needs to act quickly, in the hope of minimising its impact and the financial loss it may lead to.
According to Melissa Dempsey, Norton senior director of product marketing, at NortonLifelock, the company’s research shows that 59 per cent of Australians surveyed say they would have no idea what to do if their identity was stolen.
“Understandably, people may be worried their data now breached is on the dark web and may be used fraudulently in the coming months,” Dempsey said.
“We understand the impact this can have on people, how difficult it is to navigate and restore your accounts, if you become a victim of identity theft.”
Norton researchers have suggested people concerned their personal data may be used, be particularly watchful of:
The massive data breach on the nation’s second-largest telco has coincided with Norton’s Identity Advisor Plus launch in Australia. The “cyber safety brand” is leveraging the company’s expertise in resolving identity theft issues, to help people protect their identity and support them should they become a victim of identity theft.
“If you are concerned about identity theft, we have recently launched Norton Identity Advisor Plus,” Dempsey said.
“We provide the victim of identity theft coverage, for specific losses and expenses, as well as access to dedicated Identity Restoration Specialists.”
[Related: How the Optus security breach has impacted its reputation]
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