Authorities declares group to 'hack the hackers' after Medibank cyber assault

Authorities declares group to ‘hack the hackers’ after Medibank cyber assault

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The “smartest and hardest” cybersecurity consultants in Australia have been tasked with searching down hackers in an overhaul of the nation’s regulation enforcement strategies.

The federal authorities at this time introduced a brand new partnership between the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Alerts Directorate.

The group of 100 officers between the 2 companies will search to “hack the hackers”, Residence Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil mentioned.

A hack has exposed private details of Medibank customers. — The federal government’s announcement follows a hack which has uncovered the personal particulars of Medibank prospects. (AP)

“The criminals we’re up in opposition to have tailored their methods, and so have we,” she mentioned.

“That is the formalisation of a partnership, a standing physique throughout the Australian authorities which can day in, time out, seek out the scumbags who’re chargeable for these malicious crimes in opposition to harmless individuals.”

The modifications come after critical information breaches at Optus and Medibank.

Lawyer-Normal Mark Dreyfus mentioned a invoice shall be earlier than the Senate quickly which can enhance the utmost penalties for corporations who’re topic to critical information breaches.

“The AFP shall be working with all worldwide companions, that features Interpol, and consists of calling on all international locations to help within the elimination of the sort of cybercrime,” Dreyfus mentioned.

“No nation ought to stand by and never help another nation that’s asking for assist.”

The AFP says Russian cybercriminals are behind the Medibank hack. (Pavlo Gonchar by way of Getty Photos)

“Even amongst ransomware teams, it’s thought of past the pale to do what occurred right here,” O’Neil mentioned.

“I do not suppose any chief of any nation around the globe certainly would condone this exercise.”

In a press release issued in a single day, the Russian embassy in Canberra mentioned the media announcement was made earlier than they had been instructed.

The Russian embassy in Canberra mentioned the AFP’s media announcement was made earlier than they had been instructed. (Equipped)

“We encourage the AFP to duly get in contact with the respective Russian regulation enforcement companies,” the embassy assertion learn.

“Combating cybercrime that adversely impacts individuals’s lives and damages companies calls for a cooperative, non-politicised and accountable method from all members of the world neighborhood.”

Dreyfus was requested if the federal government was contemplating expelling Russian diplomats.

“All choices stay into account,” he mentioned.

“Our desire is to take care of diplomatic channels however diplomatic profiles should at all times be in keeping with our nationwide curiosity.