States reveal plan to replace drivers licence numbers for Aussies caught in Optus hack

State governments have released information on what to do if you believe your data has been stolen amid the cyber attack on Optus.

Optus customers affected by the recent cyberattack on the telecommunications giant have been given a pathway forward by various state governments if they have had their driver’s licence data breached.

Nearly 10 million Australians have had their data compromised in the cyberattack, with passport details, addresses and dates of birth also accessed by the hackers.

When we hand over copies of our driver's licence - we “over-share” personal information that could potentially compromise our security - see previous post ➡️ https://t.co/4SCWnOrWsg

Recently @Optus informed the Australian public of a major cyber-attack. pic.twitter.com/V4Ylf5UEsx

— Victor Dominello MP (@VictorDominello) September 26, 2022

The federal government is working with the Australian Federal Police and is now consulting with the FBI to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

NEW SOUTH WALES

The NSW government has issued instructions for customers to apply for a replacement drivers licence, with Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello confirming Optus will notify customers in coming days if their licence number was stolen in the hack.

To apply, residents with a digital drivers licence should head to the Service NSW app, where an interim card number, which can be used instead of a plastic licence card, will be instantaneously issued.

A new plastic licence card will then be issued and sent to the home of the resident within 10 business days.

Those applying for a new card will have to front the $29 replacement fee, but “reimbursement advice will be issued by Optus to customers in the coming days” according to Mr Dominello.

The minister apologised on Twitter for taking “several days to reach this landing”.

“People are understandably stressed and need a pathway forward,” he said on Tuesday.

Nearly 10 million Australians have had their data compromised in the cyberattack on Optus. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

“Optus is conducting forensic analysis to understand the exact number of customers affected – and the type of information that has been compromised in each case,” Mr Dominello said.

He said the government had established “ID Support NSW” which people can call for help in replacing their identity documents.

Those who need support regarding the replacement of identity documents or advice on what preventative actions they can take are encouraged to contact ID Support on 1800 001 040.

Current and previous Optus customers have been warned of a heightened risk of scams and the federal government has urged Australians not to click on any suspicious links.

QUEENSLAND

Transport and Roads Queensland will issue replacement licences free of charge to its residents impacted by the hack.

“The licence is a highly secure ID document, but we’ve been hearing from a lot of people who are concerned, so we are giving people the opportunity to obtain a fresh licence,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Twitter.

The decision was announced by the state’s Transport Department after an outcry from customers wanting to change their details to protect their identities.

The state has yet to detail exactly how residents can receive the new licence, but those concerned can call [phone] for help.

The federal government is working with the Australian Federal Police and is now consulting with the FBI to determine the circumstances surrounding the cyberattack on Optus. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

VICTORIA

Victorians affected by the Optus hack will be eligible for a new drivers licence at no cost.

The state government made the announcement on Tuesday evening and will expect Optus to reimburse the cost.

Those notified by Optus about their data being compromised in the breach can also contact VicRoads to have their licence record flagged.

“By flagging records, the Department of Transport will prevent any unauthorised changes or access to individual information through the Victorian licence database,” VicRoads said in a statement.

“It will not, however, prevent people using licence information in third party usages such as applying for bank accounts or any other circumstance which requires a drivers licences as a form of ID.”

More to come.