Hackers access 19 years of ANU data

The Australian National University has reported a breach of its computer systems, with a hacker gaining access to data going back 19 years.

Staff and student information going back 19 years has been accessed from the ANU's computer system. Source: AAP

DATA BREACH AT AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

* Occurred in late 2018

* Detected by the Canberra-based university in late May 2019

* Staff, student and visitor data dating back 19 years was subject to unauthorised access

* Information included names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, personal email addresses and emergency contact details, tax file numbers, payroll information, bank account details, and passport details, as well as student academic records

* Credit card details, travel information, medical records, police checks, workers' compensation, vehicle registration numbers, and some performance records have not been affected

* ANU chief information security officer has advised all passwords be reset, extra security precautions be taken, and students and staff only use public wi-fi via a VPN

* The university's security systems have been updated since an incident last year, and it is working with government security agencies to investigate the latest incident

* Confidential help line 1800 275 268 has been set up or email [e-mail]