Cyberattacks embroil victims of domestic violence

by Cam Lucadou-Wells

A cyber attack involving Monash Health has exposed personal details of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault dating back 50 years.

The data breach occurred at Victorian company ZircoDATA, which was used to scan archived historical documents at Monash Health.

It revealed archived data from the family violence and sexual assault support units at Monash Medical Centre, Queen Victoria Hospital and Southern Health from 1970-1993.

“We are deeply disappointed to be in this position and understand the distress this may cause for affected clients,” Eugine Yafele, CEO of Monash Health, said in a statement on May 3.

“We take every issue related to cybersecurity very seriously.

“Our team is working tirelessly and diligently to verify those affected and understand what data has been compromised.”

On February 29, ZircoDATA reported that a third party had gained access to its system and “identified an allegation on the dark web that some of our data had been stolen.”

Yafele stated that Monash Health had “recently” been notified that his data was involved. Monash Health’s own systems had not been compromised, he stated.

“Monash Health deeply regrets that the external breach occurred and we continue to work with ZircoDATA in the investigation.

“Our first priority is to provide support to people who may be affected by this breach.”

Monash Health has set up a dedicated cyber breach support line on 1800 491 663 for people who may have been affected.

More information is also available at monashhealth.org/cyber