Victorian Government Data Published on Dark Web

In April 2023, a major cyber attack was launched against law firm HWL Ebsworth. The attack was carried out by the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware group, who claimed to have stolen over 1 terabyte of data from the firm. The data included sensitive information about Victorian government departments and agencies, as well as personal details of individuals who had worked with HWL Ebsworth. In July 2023, it was confirmed that some of this data had been published on the dark web.

Australian Victorian Government Data Published on Dark Web

The publication of this data is a serious security breach, and it is likely that it will be used by criminals to commit identity theft, fraud, and other crimes. Victorians who have worked with HWL Ebsworth are advised to be on the lookout for suspicious activity, and to take steps to protect their personal information.

The Victorian government has said that there has been no direct breach of its IT systems, but it is still investigating the extent of the damage caused by the attack. The government has also said that it is working with law enforcement to track down the criminals responsible.

This incident is a reminder of the importance of cyber security. Individuals and organisations should take steps to protect their data, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being careful about what information they share online.

What is the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. This means that it is not accessible to the general public, and can only be accessed using specialised software. The dark web is often used for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, and human trafficking.

The breakdown of the Web iceberg.

Is it illegal to access the dark web in Australia?

While it is not illegal to access the dark web itself, it is illegal to use the dark web to commit crimes. If you are caught using the dark web to commit a crime, you could be prosecuted under Australian law.

What can you do to protect your data from being published on the dark web?

There are a number of things you can do to protect your data from being published on the dark web:

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts.
• Be careful about what information you share online.
• Be aware of the latest cyber security threats.
• By following these tips, you can help to protect your data from being published on the dark web.

Written by The Original PC Doctor on 15/7/2023.