Optus has sent SMS or email notifications to all customers whose identification documents (licences or passport numbers) were compromised in the recent cyberattack on Optus customer data.

While Optus say payment details and account passwords have not been compromised, other information potentially exposed may include customers’ names, dates of birth, phone numbers and email addresses. Optus are continuing to notify these customers also.

In light of the breach, IDCARE, an Australian not-for-profit charity that was created to provide support for individuals facing identity security and cyber security issues, has released a response fact sheet for those whose details were compromised.

The fact sheet includes:

• precautionary and proactive guidance
• resources to assess your credit reports
• information on applying for a credit ban.

It is a timely reminder for everyone to remain vigilant when being asked to disclose personal information and to verbally confirm bank account details when making payments to a third party.