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Personal data stolen in Oxfam cyber attack

Robyn WuthAAP
A data breach has exposed the details of Oxfam Australia supporters, the charity says.
Camera IconA data breach has exposed the details of Oxfam Australia supporters, the charity says.

Hackers have breached an Australian charity's cyber defences to steal personal details and comprising information of supporters from its servers, the organisation says.

Oxfam Australia has confirmed its databases were hacked by an external party in January.

Attackers were able to access files containing data on supporters who signed petitions, took part in a campaign or made donations or purchases.

While passwords have not been compromised, names, addresses, dates of birth, emails, phone numbers, gender, and in some cases donation history, may have been accessed.

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The charity organisation launched an investigation after becoming aware of the "data incident" in January and notified supporters of the potential risk.

"We have communicated quickly and openly with our supporters while also complying with regulatory requirements," chief executive Lyn Morgain said.

"We contacted all our supporters early last month to alert them to a suspected incident, which has now been confirmed."

The breach has been referred to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Information Commissioner's Office.

"The privacy and protection of our supporters has been our paramount consideration during this process, which has involved a thorough and complex investigation," Ms Morgain said

"Oxfam supporters are at the heart of our organisation and their confidence is critical to our ongoing work in tackling the inequality that causes poverty around the world.

"We sincerely regret this incident has occurred."

The long-standing charity is part of a global network that works to combat social disadvantage and poverty.

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