Meli warns customers to protect data as info published after cyber attack

A Geelong support provider is warning clients affected by a cyber attack to take precautionary steps to protect their data after claims private information had been published.

“We recently experienced a cyber incident and took immediate steps to secure our system,” a Meli spokesman said. Picture: Alison Wynd

A Geelong support provider is warning clients affected by a cyber attack to take precautionary steps to protect their data after claims private information had been published online.

Meli, formerly Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) and the Bethany Group, was forced to work through a cyber incident last month that sent a number of their services offline.

A Meli spokesman confirmed on Tuesday files had been taken from their system.

“We recently experienced a cyber incident and took immediate steps to secure our system,” he said.

“Unfortunately, our ongoing investigation has identified evidence that a subset of files has been taken from this system.

“We are aware of a claim that this information has now been published externally by an unauthorised third party.

“We are urgently investigating the nature and extent of the published files.”

The Meli spokesman said the organisation has shared “precautionary steps people can take to protect their personal information while our investigation continues”.

“We will continue to keep our community informed, in accordance with our commitment to communicating with transparency and with integrity,” he said.

“We have informed the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Victorian Police, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner and relevant departments in the Victorian and commonwealth governments about the incident.

“We will continue to co-operate with law enforcement and the relevant government agencies as required.

“Our important work supporting clients and the community remains our utmost priority. We thank our funders for their ongoing support and together we will continue our important role of supporting people and strengthening communities.”

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner confirmed it had been notified of the breach by Meli.

According to its website, Meli is one of the region’s largest employers with a combined workforce of more than 750 staff.

Originally published as Meli warns customers to protect data as info published after cyber attack