Cyber Investigation Update

Dear stakeholders

This is precautionary message only.

As you may already be aware, the Tasmanian Government is investigating a possible theft of data from a third-party file transfer service used by the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP).  

DECYP investigations indicate some of your personal information may have been accessed. Whilst we know your data has not been released yet, there is a likelihood that this may be published by the criminal group involved.

The data that was available relates to current and historical financial information. Depending on your interaction with the Department (including Teachers Registration Board (TRB), Office of the Education Registrar, Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC), Commissioner for Children and Young People, Government Education and Training International (GETI), Libraries Tasmania) and TasTAFE it may include some, or all of, the following data:

  • names
  • addresses
  • school name
  • DECYP reference number [insert number] e.g this is used for DECYP internal account purposes.
  • child name
  • homeroom
  • year group
  • Business names
  • Bank Account (if the Department paid you).

The Tasmanian Government continues to investigate the situation and work closely with State and Federal authorities to reduce risk to individuals and organisations.

I want to apologise for the impact that this incident has had on you. We are committed to help you and others impacted through this process.

We encourage you to remain vigilant and if needed, take practical steps including staying alert for any suspicious financial activity or attempted scams.

We will reach out to you with any further updates.

We take this situation very seriously and have deployed additional resources over the Easter break.

Please take a moment to review the information below and contact the supports listed should you have further questions or concerns.

What does this mean for you?

We recommend that you stay alert for any suspicious financial activity or attempted scams. There is a Tasmanian Information Service (call centre) that has been established which is contactable on 1800 567 567 (available weekdays during business hours).

If you are concerned for your immediate safety, contact Tasmania Police on 000.

There are a number of resources and supports that you can access in relation to data security and financial crime:

  • If you would like more information on data security, you can access Australian Government advice from the Australian Cyber Security Centre website at http://www.cyber.gov.au   
  • If you have any concerns regarding financial transactions, please contact your financial provider.  
  • You can also report to law enforcement via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report.

For immediate support, 24-hour telephone assistance is available through:

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
  • 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

 Additional Important Information

  • Scammers may use your personal information to contact you by phone, text or email. Never click on links or provide personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue. 
  • If you are concerned that your identity has been compromised or you have been a victim of a scam contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is Australia’s national identity and cyber support service, to get expert advice from a specialist identity and cyber security service.