Australian Federal Police one of several government agencies impacted by cyberattack

AFP members’ information, such as officers’ identities and email addresses, have since been published on the dark web.

IPersonal information of AFP members has since been published on the dark web. Picture: AFP

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been revealed as one of the government agencies affected by a cyberattack on a national law firm.

HWL Ebsworth was first targeted in a major cyber breach in April this year, during which data was stolen from multiple government departments.

The AFP, a client of HWL, is one of the agencies involved in the breach, with impacted members having already approached the Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA).

Personal information of AFP members has since been published on the dark web. Picture: AFP

AFPA President Alex Caruana said the Association was aware of the issue and held “concerns about the impact this data breach may have on (members)”.

Ms Caruana confirmed members’ information had been shared to the dark web as a result of the breach, and that the AFP was investigating.

“We will continue to support our members and would encourage all members who have been affected to contact the AFPA if they need support,” she said.

“We continue to support the work of the federal government in the cyber security environment with the recent appointment of a National Cyber Security Coordinator and the excellent work undertaken by the Australian Cyber Security Centre in educating and supporting Australians affected by cyber attacks.”

AFPA told 9 News that the members’ information in question included officers’ identities and email addresses.

Ms Caruana said the AFP would continue to “look after” those impacted.

HWL Ebsworth, one of Australia’s largest commercial law firms, was subjected to a major cyber attack with an infamous Russian hacking group claiming responsibility.

In June, Russian cybercriminals known as AlphV or BlackCat claimed to have posted more than 1 terabyte of stolen data on the dark web, after hacking the law firm in late April.

Originally published as Australian Federal Police one of several government agencies impacted by cyberattack