Sophie Cotsis demands action over Service NSW cyber attack which saw 3.8 million documents stolen

·

Shadow Minister for Better Public Services Sophie Cotsis is demanding the Government explain how cyber criminals were able to steal 3.8 million documents from Service NSW. 

It comes after Ms Cotsis, who has been holding the Government to account over the breach, discovered she is among the 186,000 people whose information was stolen. 

NSW Labor will use an upcoming Parliamentary Inquiry into cyber security this month to explore the extent of the problem and the lack of assistance available to those impacted. 

“I have been calling for months for the NSW Government to harden its digital systems against cyber attacks,” Ms Cotsis said.

Service NSW, Miranda.

“I was upset and shocked to find I was one of the victims of this cyber crime, however I am even more upset for the other 186,000 innocent people whose data was stolen.

“While the Government claims to be helping victims of this attack, my conversations with people’s experience was that their support services are difficult to navigate”.

READ MORE: TGH Exclusive: Sophie Cotsis on International Women’s Day, “I have a responsibility to talk about my illness”
READ MORE: Sophie Cotsis launches petition to redevelop Canterbury Hospital

The Government have said this attack occurred because Service NSW did not use multi-factor authentication for staff log-ins, which means the NSW Government has not been following guidance from the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

A report published by the Auditor-General last year indicates at least 26 NSW Government agencies may be vulnerable to this type of attack.

“The Government is responsible for safeguarding sensitive information including people’s health records, legal information and finances,” Ms Cotsis said.

“This data breach was foreseeable and preventable, but so far no one has been held accountable for failing to keep our people’s private information secure.

The first hearing into cyber security will begin on 29 October. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Greece’s parliament faces divide ahead of same-sex marriage vote

On Wednesday, February 14, a heated discussion took place in parliament in Athens regarding the same-sex marriage bill.

Celebrating women’s strength and achievements at GOCSA’s IWD event

GOCSA hosted a remarkable IWD event celebrating the achievements and contributions of women throughout history and within the community.

Melbourne man kills wife Kaliopi Roumeliotis and guides daughter to find body

Joe Lo Bianco faced justice for the brutal murder of his wife, Kaliopi Roumeliotis, in the Victorian supreme court.