Key Points
- The breach might have exposed medical records and answers for The School Entrant Health Questionnaire (SEHQ), which is completed by nearly all families in the state.
- Premier Daniel Andrews said it was unclear whether any personal data had been compromised.
Investigators are working to determine whether a cyberattack on a tech company used by the Victorian government has affected thousands of families.
PNORS Technology Group, which works with several state departments, including the Department of Education and Training, was targeted by hackers on Saturday.
Who is at risk?
The breach might have exposed medical records and answers for The School Entrant Health Questionnaire (SEHQ), which is completed by nearly all families in the state.
Premier Daniel Andrews said it was unclear whether any personal data had been compromised.
"It's not determined yet, it's not definitive, but there's the potential for a breach," Mr Andrews told reporters on Sunday.
"They're working through that around the clock, and they're doing that job well ... As soon as we have confirmation of anyone's records being compromised, then we will make a statement, and we'll work with any of those people."
The Department of Premier and Cabinet is working with PNORS Technology Group to determine the extent of the information breach and to prevent further incidents.
What happens next?
"The Victorian government's Cyber Incident Response Service have been notified and are taking appropriate action. Protecting Victorian data and systems is our highest priority," a government spokesperson said.
The cyberattack follows recent high-profile breaches of Optus and Medibank, where hackers stole the data of millions of Australians.
Also on Sunday, the state government announced a $37 million election pledge for the Victorian Veterans Card to help veterans during the cost of living crisis.
More than 90,000 veterans across the state will be entitled to a $100 discount on the registration of one vehicle, as well as free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
Veterans Minister Shaun Leane said the state government would increase support for veterans if it won the November 26 election.
"Veterans' contributions don't end when they leave the defence force. Only Labor will support them to retrain and reskill because they still have so much to give to our community," Mr Leane said.
It comes after Mr Andrews on Saturday addressed questions about his role in awarding two grants worth $3.4 million to the Health Services Union in 2018.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission is investigating the matter, marking the fourth corruption probe Mr Andrews has been linked to during his time in office.
"Regardless of any smear, innuendo or media reporting based on anonymous sources, the only IBAC matters I will comment on are those that are the subject of a final report, as is appropriate and has always been my practice," he said in a statement.
"Questions about what IBAC is or is not doing are a matter for the independent agency. I act appropriately at all times and in all things. That is the oath I swore, and I take it very seriously."
