Australia frets over data release after huge hack

Optus said it could not comment on whether it had been in contact with the poster or paid the ransom when asked by AFP on Tuesday. — Reuters

SYDNEY: Australia's government said Tuesday it was "incredibly concerned" over the reported release of customers' personal data stolen from a telecoms company in one of the largest hacks in the country's history.

Information on up to 9.8 million Australian customers of telecoms provider Optus – more than one-third of the country's population – may have been compromised in the cyberattack, which was revealed last week.