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'Deplorable': Medibank hackers release more data on the dark web

November 14, 2022 - 1.14am

The hackers behind the Medibank cyberattack have released the details of 500 more Australians, this time focusing on patients who received treatment for a range of illnesses.

The latest dump posted on the dark web concerns mental health illnesses plus conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and asthma, as well as patients with cancer and dementia.

Details of people's infections, and injuries are also among the latest release, with Russian criminals said to be behind the attack.

The AFP says Russian cybercriminals are behind the Medibank hack. Pavlo Gonchar via Getty Images

Medibank CEO David Koczkar and called the latest release of information "deplorable".

"These are real people behind this data and the misuse of their data is deplorable and may discourage them from seeking medical care," he said.

He said customers affected are being contacted, and told anybody who is concerned to call them, or contact a mental health services such as Lifeline.

"Our focus remains resolutely on doing everything we can to make sure our customers are supported during this difficult time, he said.

The cyber attack was revealed at the end of last month.

Medibank has refused to pay a ransom to stop the information being released.

In total, around 9.7 million current and former customers and associated representatives have had a raft of their personal details stolen, including name, date of birth, address, phone number and email addresses.

Last week it was announced The "smartest and toughest" cybersecurity experts in Australia have been tasked with hunting down hackers in an overhaul of the nation's law enforcement methods. in the wake of the Medibank and Optus hacks.