Medibank confirms ‘distressing development’ hacking saga

Medibank has confirmed another ‘distressing development’ in the company’s cybercrime battle.

Medibank has confirmed a new “distressing development” in the company’s cybercrime attack, with the health insurance giant confirming data concerning personal and health claims have been accessed by hackers.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, the company said it had “become clear” hackers accessed Medibank customer data, as well as that of ahm and international student customers.

“This is a distressing development and Medibank apologises unreservedly to our customers,” the company said.

Medibank said on Tuesday customer data had been accessed by hackers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

Medibank said that given the complexity of what the company had received, it was too soon to determine the full extent of the customer data that had been stolen.

“We will continue to analyse what we have received to understand the total number of customers impacted, and specifically which information has been stolen,” the company said.

The development comes after the company confirmed late last week that hackers may have stolen customers credit card security details, on top of highly sensitive medical information, such as abortion and mental health history.

The health insurance giant said confirmation Medicare customer data had been taken by cyber criminals was “distressing.” Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

Last week the company also entered a voluntary suspension of ASX trade amid uncertainty over the financial fallout of the hack.

Medibank said on Tuesday more than 1000 ahm policy records had been taken, and said they expected the number of affected customers to grow.

The company, which has more than 3.9 million customers, has pledged a customer support package in the wake of Tuesday’s developments, including mental health and wellbeing support and access to specialist identity protection for all customers.

Medibank said they would begin contacting customers whose data they know has been compromised.

The health insurance giant said confirmation Medicare customer data had been taken by cyber criminals was “distressing.” Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

Chief executive David Koczkar said he “unreservedly” apologised for the latest breach.

“As we continue to uncover the breadth and gravity of this crime, we recognise that these developments will be distressing for our customers, our people and the community - as it is to me,” Mr Koczkar said.

“This is a malicious attack that has been committed by criminals with view of causing maximum fear and damage, especially to the most vulnerable members of our community,” he said.

“We continue to work closely with the agencies of the Federal Government, including the ongoing criminal investigation into this matter.”

It has been a nightmare month for Australian companies, with the likes of telcos Optus and Telstra reporting significant data breaches.