Australia, New Zealand launch joint investigation into Latitude data breach

The New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) have commenced a joint investigation into Latitude Financial data breach that occurred on 12 March. This is the first joint privacy investigation by New Zealand and Australia.

The data breach exposed personal information of millions of New Zealanders and Australians, with compromised information including driver’s licences, passports and financial data. Former customers affected by the breach have been experiencing identity theft or having their identity held for ransom. Latitude Financial Services management has estimated that 14 million customer records were exposed during the attack, of which approximately 1.08 million were NZ customer records.

Although the OPC and OAIC will be combining resources to conduct the investigation, they are able to reach separate regulatory outcomes or decisions.

The joint investigation will primarily examine whether Latitude Financial took reasonable measures to safeguard the personal information it held, ensuring protection against misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.

Additionally, the investigation will assess whether Latitude adequately disposed of or de-identified personal information that was no longer necessary.

The OPC has advised New Zealanders to be on the look out for unusual activities and to not access or share any Latitude Financial Services data encountered.

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