Threat actors behind the Medibank hack that compromised nearly 10 million customers' private information are being hunted by the Australian government, cyber security minister Clare O'Neil said.
A hack on Medibank's computer, which was attributed to Russian cybercriminals, was announced by the Australian Federal Police on Friday afternoon.
AFP identified Russian criminals as the culprits without contacting Russian officials before the public announcement, as the embassy in Australia has expressed disappointment that the AFP has identified Russian-based criminals as the culprits without contacting Russian officials.
In the statement released by the Consulate on Friday evening, the consulate mentioned that it encouraged the AFP to promptly contact the respective Russian law enforcement agencies to seek assistance.
Combating cybercrime that adversely affects the lives of citizens and damages businesses is a complex task that demands a cooperative, non-political and responsible approach from all members of the international community.
It was announced on Saturday that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) have signed an agreement on the creation of a comprehensive policing model which will take into account both the Optus and Medicare data breaches and effectively deal with the criminals behind them.
"Around 100 officers from these two organizations will be a part of this joint standing operation, and many of these officers will be physically co-located with the Australian Signals Directorate," she said.
As Ms. O'Neil pointed out, officers report to work every day of the week. The goal is to deal with these gangs and thugs in the most effective manner possible.
Ms. Saunders explained, With this partnership, the Australian Government has formalized a standing body which will be responsible for the day-to-day pursuit and prosecution of the con men responsible for these malicious crimes against innocent people and who will, day in and day out, hunt them down.
A group of the smartest and most determined people in Australia will be collaborating to track down the hackers.
A New Permanent Policing Model
In a statement, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus described the situation as "extremely distressing."
In response to the attack, the government released a statement stating that it would do everything it could to limit the impact of this horrible crime. It would also provide support and comfort to the families and friends of those who are affected.
Dreyfus said in his remarks that the updated partnership between the AFP and the ASD aimed at fighting cyber criminals will be a permanent and formal agreement.
The AFP, he explained, works full-time on this issue, and they are working with international partners, such as the FBI, which has done great work on this problem, with the assistance of their international partners, including the United Nations.
As part of the investigation, AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw on Friday said officers were also working with Interpol to track down the perpetrators of the crime.
"We know who you are," he said. In the area of bringing overseas offenders back to Australia to face the justice system, it has been noted that the AFP has been doing a good job on the scoreboard.
A Review of Australia's Diplomatic Relations With Russia is Currently Taking Place
There will be no slowdown in the work of the national security agencies because diplomatic channels with Russia will remain open concerning extradition, according to Mr. Dreyfus.
According to the president of the Russian Federation, Russia should do all that it can to protect its citizens from engaging in these kinds of crimes, while within its borders.
In a statement, Mr. Dreyfus said that his government is taking a close look at the options available to it. This is because it wants to maintain Russia's diplomatic profile in Australia.
In regards to our diplomatic channels, we would like to maintain them as long as they are appropriate for our national interests. However, diplomatic profiles must always be consistent with that.
A spokesman for the opposition's cyber security wing, James Paterson, said that the disclosure could have broad implications for Australia's Magnitsky regime. Those who violate the law are subject to this.
With the passage of the regime with bipartisan support, which was passed with the support of the Republican and Democratic Parties, it becomes possible to impose targeted financial sanctions and travel bans in response to serious corruption and significant cyberattacks.
At a press conference earlier today, Prime Minister Albanese told reporters he was dismayed and disgusted by the actions of those who committed this crime. He authorized AFP officials to release the details as a matter of public interest.
In the recent past, hackers have released more information about some of the medical records of their customers on the dark web, including information about abortions and alcoholism.
A ransomware attack was carried out by a criminal group targeting Medibank's data, which resulted in close to 500,000 health claims, along with personal information, being stolen.
There are several mental health and other support services available through Medibank's Resources Page, which is available to affected customers.
