NSW man arrested over pubs and clubs data breach that released information of more than a million people
The NSW cybercrime squad has arrested a man in Sydney’s west after the personal information of more than a million people who have signed into pubs and clubs in NSW was published online.
Detectives raided a property in the suburb of Fairfield at about 4.20pm on Thursday. Officers arrested a 46-year-old man and have taken him to Fairfield Police Station where he will likely be charged with blackmail.
A NSW Police spokesperson said the arrest related to the online publication of the personal information of people who had used their driver’s licenses to sign into venues in NSW.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Cybercrime Squad detectives investigating an alleged data breach threatening to share the personal details of over one million people have arrested a man in Fairfield West,” said the spokesperson.
“Yesterday (Wednesday 1 May 2024), officers attached to State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad were alerted to a website which had published the personal information of patrons who signed in using their drivers’ licences at specific premises across NSW.”
The data breach comes amid claims tech company OutABox, headquartered in Sydney and specialising in IT solutions for gaming and hospitality venues across NSW, may have shared the private information with an overseas developer.
Compromised data encompasses a wide array of personal information, ranging from addresses and signatures to dates of birth and even photographs of driver’s licenses.
This breach has ensnared dozens of venues affiliated with ClubsNSW, prompting an investigation by the NSW Police.
Cybercrime squad commander Gillian Lister said the breach should remind people to ensure their personal details were secured.
“If you think your details may have been compromised, use extra caution when reviewing emails or texts and never click on a suspicious or unfamiliar link,” she said.
“Always make sure to report incidents of cybercrime through the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Scamwatch.”
