Tasmanian government data hack: Department of Education financial data may have been exposed

Tasmanians have been warned to monitor their bank accounts for suspicious activity after the state government identified the information at risk in a Russian hack. LATEST >

Minister Madeleine Ogilvie with Rob Williams Deputy Secretary of Government Services. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

TASMANIANS have been warned to monitor their bank accounts for suspicious activity after the state government identified the information at risk in a Russian hack.

Department of Education financial data including names, addresses, invoices and bank account details have been identified as at risk in the hack by Russian ransomware group CL0P, Minister for Science and Technology Madeleine Ogilvie said.

She was unable to elaborate on whether the data related to parents, students, staff or contractors.

“Our investigations have found that there is a risk that financial data from the Department of Education, Children and Young People may have been accessed in this global event,” she said on Wednesday.

“It’s very important that people are reassured that we are doing everything we can do to manage this situation.

“The sort of information that may have been released in that area includes names, addresses, invoices, and bank account numbers.

“What I would be doing is watching — as you should always do — what’s happening with your financial transactions.

“If you have any concerns, please contact your financial services provider, whether it’s a bank or otherwise.”

Ms Ogilvie said there was no confirmation yet that information had actually been accessed by unauthorised people.

She said forensic investigations were continuing in conjunction with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and more information would be provided as it came to light.

“Information will be provided through headmasters to schools and more broadly than that,” Ms Ogilvie told reporters.

“So I think it’s really important that the people of Tasmania are aware that this has happened in this area and to be vigilant.”

Tasmanian government information is listed as being among the victims of the group CL0P which has apparently gained access to data handled by GoAnywhere — which manages the transfer of data between large enterprises.

Originally published as Tasmanian government data hack: Department of Education financial data may have been exposed