Transport for NSW investigate a possible breach and the Privacy Commissioner urges people to be vigilant

Transport for NSW notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner NSW late Friday 27 May 2016, of a potential security breach of the online reservations system for train bookings.

The latest information the Office of the Privacy Commissioner NSW has received is that personal and financial details may have been accessed, but the specifics remain unclear at this stage.

“Transport for NSW continues to investigate what has occurred. My office is in contact with the Department to receive updates”.

The earlier advice from Transport for NSW in relation to financial information has been amended as the Department has been advised that there is a potential risk that personal and financial information may have been accessed, but the level of that risk is still being determined.

“I encourage anyone who is concerned they may have been affected to keep an eye on their accounts for any unusual transactions and report any discrepancies to their financial institution immediately” Dr Coombs has said. “I also urge customers to be vigilant of any unsolicited requests for personal information”.

“It is important that when citizens provide their personal and other information to Government, they know it is being protected. I commend Transport for NSW for advising my Office of what has occurred” said Dr Coombs.
 

ENDS
 

For further information, please contact:

IPC media team on 0435 961 691 or email communications@ipc.nsw.gov.au

About the Information and Privacy Commission:
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is an independent statutory authority that administers New South Wales’ legislation dealing with privacy and access to government information. The IPC supports the Information Commissioner and the Privacy Commissioner in fulfilling their legislative responsibilities and functions and to ensure individuals and agencies can access consistent information, guidance and coordinated training about information access and privacy matters.

For more information and to be kept up to date, go to NSW Trainlink Website www.nswtrainlink.info/about_us/news.

Members of the public can also access our website www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/privacy or contact the Information and Privacy Commission for more information on their privacy rights.

Download the full statement here. 

Media enquiries: 0435 961 691