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If you’ve been caught up in the Optus data breach, you may be able to change your driver’s licence number and get a replacement card for free.
Optus has now sent emails or SMS messages to customers whose identification document numbers, such as driver’s licences and passport numbers, were compromised because of the cyber breach.
So far the NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia governments have announced that affected Optus customers can replace their driver’s licences for free. Here’s what we know so far.
Also read: Hacker behind Optus breach says sorry and deletes stolen data
Also read: Optus cyber attack: Nearly 10 million Aussies left vulnerable
Also read: Telstra, Optus: Australia’s 10 worst telcos revealed
You can apply for a new NSW driver’s licence through Service NSW, with Optus to reimburse the cost.
If you have a digital driver’s licence, you can get an interim card number issued immediately via the Service NSW app. A new plastic card will be issued within 10 business days.
“The cost to replace your driver’s licence is $29 and will be charged by Service NSW at the time of application – reimbursement advice will be issued by Optus to customers in the coming days,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said on Twitter.
Victorians can get their licence number replaced and can request through VicRoads to have their licence record flagged in case of future fraud.
“We will request Optus repays the cost of the new licences to the Victorian government,” a spokesperson for the state’s Transport department said.
Impacted Queenslanders can get a replacement driver’s licence with a new licence number free of charge. This can be done via a Main Roads customer service center.
"An Optus data breach notice or written notification from an enforcement authority is required, along with evidence of identity for the new licence," Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said on Twitter.
The Department has set up a hotline to help at (07) 3097 3108 from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
South Australian drivers can get a replacement driver’s licence for free, the premier confirmed.
Service SA has advised people to visit a Service SA centre and bring any documentation from Optus.
“Once your licence number has been changed, a new driver’s licence card will be produced and posted to you,” Service SA said.
“Your new licence will be immediately available digitally through your mySAGOV account and on the mySAGOV app.”
ACT drivers have been told to call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 and leave their details. There is no word yet on whether the replacement licence will be free or not.
“All customers who do this will be contacted by Access Canberra once the next steps are identified,” the ACT government said in a statement to SBS.
On Wednesday, WA and Tasmania both confirmed the replacement fee will be waived for those affected by the hack, with Optus footing the bill.
We are still to hear from the Northern Territory government about what affected customers can do about their driver’s licences.
Cyber security experts have outlined several steps you can take to proactively defend yourself:
Identify your most vulnerable accounts and secure them
Lock your SIM card and credit card if possible
Improve your cyber hygiene, including checking what information about you is available to cyber criminals through HaveIBeenPwned.
For more information you can also visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
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