AFP cyber hack: Names and private information of Australian federal police officers working on some of the country’s most top-secret cases are hacked by Russians
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has been identified as one of the government agencies affected by a cyberattack on a national law firm.
HWL Ebsworth was first the victim of a major cyber breach in April this year, where data from multiple government departments was stolen.
The AFP, a customer of HWL, is one of the authorities involved in the breach. The affected members have already contacted the Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA).
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is apparently one of the government agencies affected by a cyber attack on law firm HWL Ebsworth
AFPA President Alex Caruana said the association was aware of the issue and was “concerned about the impact this data breach could have on (members).”
Ms Caruana confirmed that members’ information was leaked 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 any affected members to contact AFPA if they require assistance,” she said.
“We continue to support the Federal Government’s work in the cyber security environment with the recent appointment of a National Cyber Security Coordinator and the outstanding work of the Australian Cyber Security Center in educating and supporting Australians affected by cyber attacks.”
AFPA told 9 News that the information in question included the officers’ identities and email addresses.
Russian cybercriminals called AlphV or BlackCat claimed to have published more than 1 terabyte of stolen data on the dark web through the attack. In the picture: Stock photo of a hacker
Ms Caruana said the AFP would continue to “take care” of those affected.
HWL Ebsworth, one of Australia’s largest commercial law firms, has been the victim of a serious cyberattack in which a notorious Russian hacking group claimed responsibility.
In June, Russian cybercriminals known as AlphV, or BlackCat, claimed to have published more than 1 terabyte of stolen data on the dark web after hacking the law firm in late April.
