Government agencies, businesses, and health providers who don't advise clients and customers if their personal information has been breached now face major fines.
New rules for serious data breaches come into effect today (22/02).
Individuals can be fined up 420 thousand dollars, whilst corporations can be fined up to 2.1 million dollars.
The release of sensitive health information, Medicare card details, driver's licences, passport details, or financial information are amongst those breaches considered capable of increasing the risk of serious harm.
Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter says the emphasis is on people being nottified quickly if something goes wrong, so they can take action to protect themselves.
Cyber Security Minister Angus Taylor says not knowing how to protect client or customer data is becoming a poor excuse, and the onus is on those who hold the data.
