Cyber Security News

Hackers leak Fire Rescue Victoria data to dark web

Eliza Sayon Jan 12, 2023

2 min read

The personal details of the firefighters of Fire Rescue Victoria along with other stolen data have been leaked by hackers into the dark web after the recent cyber attack on the emergency rescue agency’s IT systems.

According to recent reports, it is suspected that the cyber criminals who attacked Fire Rescue Victoria late last year were able to access the personal information of staff.

Aside from the firefighters, the agency’s contractors, other emergency service workers from linked agencies such as the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, and secondees and job applicants may have had their data compromised in the cyber security breach.

While the agency initially reassured staff this month the data had not been posted online, they confirmed on Wednesday that the information had been posted on the dark web.

“It is a complex task to analyse the data that has been shared on the dark web and we have cyber security specialists assisting with this analysis,” Fire Rescue Victoria said.

“As we identify what information may have been released, we will provide further information.”

People that have been impacted by the cyber security breach have been urged to take steps to protect their information. Fire Rescue Victoria said it would provide identity-monitoring support from IDCARE and credit-monitoring support from Equifax.

The agency will also attempt to contact those affected by the breach.

“We strongly urge the media and anyone else from downloading sensitive or personal FRV data from the dark web and to refrain from contacting our employees directly,” the agency said

“Throughout this incident, community safety has not been compromised and FRV continues to turn out crews and fire trucks through mobile phones, pagers, and radios. The community should continue to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.”

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has been notified of the data breach.

With AAP

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.