Security News > 2022 > October > 19-Year-Old Teen Arrested for Using Leaked Optus Breach Data in SMS Scam

The Australian Federal Police has arrested a 19-year-old teen from Sydney for allegedly attempting to leverage the data leaked following the Optus data breach late last month to extort victims.

Details of the scam were previously shared by 9News Australia reporter Chris O'Keefe on September 27, 2022.

The AFP further said it executed a search warrant at the home of the offender, leading to the seizure of a mobile phone used to send the text messages to about 93 Optus customers.

The unnamed individual has been charged with using a telecommunication network with the intent to commit a serious offense and dealing with identification information.

The arrest comes as Optus, earlier this week, confirmed that the breach impacted nearly 2.1 million of its current and former customers, exposing their license numbers and Medicare ID numbers.

Also set up in the aftermath of the breach is Operation Hurricane, which aims to unmask the threat actor responsible for the breach.

News URL

https://thehackernews.com/2022/10/19-year-old-hacker-arrested-for-using.html