Retaliation for Supporting Ukraine? ... Australia Suspects Russian Hackers Behind Medibank Breach

9.7 Million Personal Information Leaked... Including Sensitive Data Such as Drug Treatment Causes Controversy
Russian Embassy in Australia Demands "Cooperation Request to Russian Investigative Authorities"

[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Australian police are suspecting a Russian hacker group as the perpetrators of the hacking incident targeting Medibank, the country's largest health insurance company. Concerns are rising that the issue could escalate into a diplomatic conflict between Australia and Russia, especially with allegations involving some Russian diplomats.

The large-scale hacking incident occurred last month when Medibank's network system was attacked from outside. According to the company, personal information of approximately 9.7 million customers was leaked during the hack. The hackers demanded a total of 9.7 million dollars (about 12.8 billion KRW), asking one dollar per customer, and threatened to release the customer information.

However, after the company refused to pay the ransom following several rounds of communication, the hackers began leaking customer information on their blog located on the dark web, a secret website accessible only through specific browsers.

Notably, the leaked data included not only basic personal details such as customers' names and dates of birth but also sensitive medical records like drug treatment and mental health diagnoses, causing a significant uproar.

On the 26th of last month (local time), people are passing by the Medibank Sydney branch in Australia. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The Australian government is attributing the incident to a Russian hacker group. On the 13th (local time), Australian broadcaster ABC reported that authorities have formed a joint task force (TF) comprising the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to investigate the case.

Mark Dreyfus, the Attorney-General, stated, "I have heard from the Australian Federal Police Commissioner that the perpetrators of the hacking incident are a highly organized criminal group based in Russia." Earlier in April, concerns were raised that Russia might retaliate with cyberattacks as Australia provided various weapons to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.

Furthermore, following this cyberattack and the heightened tensions with Russia, there are warnings that Russian diplomats stationed in Australia could be expelled. Dreyfus said, "If it is found that some diplomats are engaging in inappropriate behavior in Australia, they may be expelled. Authorities are closely reviewing Russia's diplomatic presence in Australia and considering all options."

However, the Russian Embassy in Australia expressed regret, stating that Australian police designated a Russian hacker group as the culprits without consulting or verifying with the Russian government. The embassy urged, "Australian police should immediately request investigative cooperation from Russian authorities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.