A Russian Hacker Sanctioned for Releasing Australian Health Insurer Client Data
Sydney, Jan 23 (AP) – The Australian government has taken action against a Russian national involved in a cyber attack that exposed personal information of over 10 million Australians. The attack targeted Medibank, Australia’s largest health insurer, and resulted in the release of sensitive data, including HIV diagnoses and drug abuse treatments.
In response to the incident, the Australian government has utilized its newly implemented cyber sanction powers and has imposed sanctions on Aleksandr Ermakov. The connection between Ermakov and the cyber attack was established by Australian Federal Police and intelligence agencies, with assistance from undisclosed global partners.
The use of these sanctions against Ermakov marks a significant step in Australia’s fight against cyber criminals. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of exposing and debilitating cyber criminal groups. Marles stated, In our current strategic circumstances we continue to see governments, critical infrastructure, businesses, and households in Australia targeted by malicious cyber actors.
The sanctions imposed on Ermakov now make it a criminal offense to provide assets to him, including through cryptocurrency wallets or ransomware payments. Punishments for such offenses can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong commented on the sanctions, stating that they send a clear message to cyber criminals. Wong emphasized that there are consequences and costs for targeting Australia and its citizens.
There are costs and consequences for targeting Australia and targeting Australians, Wong said in a statement.
The Australian government’s actions serve as a warning to all cyber criminals, as they strive to protect their citizens and reinforce the notion that cyber attacks will not go unpunished.
As the threat of cybercrime continues to loom over governments, corporations, and individuals, Australia remains resolute in its commitment to holding cyber criminals accountable and ensuring the safety of its citizens in the cyber space.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
