NSW RFS Commissioner says there is “no impact to our operational response capability,” but historical data likely compromised.
The Commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service has warned members of the RFS that it has become “aware of a cybersecurity incident involving our ICT systems”.
“We are working closely with cyber security experts, including Cyber Security NSW and NSW Police, to investigate the matter and determine what information may have been accessed or obtained,” the Acting Commissioner, Kelly Quandt AFSM, said in an email seen by Cyber Daily.
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Quandt stressed that the incident had not impacted the RFS’s operational response capability, but did say that some data may have been compromised.
“Investigations to date indicate many of the files are historical. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest sensitive personal information has been accessed or that any information has been obtained which, if disclosed, could adversely affect individuals,” Quandt said.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we are taking a cautious approach while further technical analysis is undertaken.”
The Acting Commissioner said the RFS was taking several steps as a precautionary measure, including resetting passwords and restricting access to “some websites from RFS computers”.
“Some operational passwords, including those used to access Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) registered user services, have been updated,” Quandt said.
“We will continue to keep members informed of any significant developments. Should it be determined that there has been any significant impact on an individual's personal information, affected members will be contacted directly.”
Cyber Daily has reached out to the NSW RFS for more information regarding the incident.
As of the time of writing, no threat actor has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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David Hollingworth
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.