If you were one of the thousands were unable to complete your online Census form because the website was absolutely bloody rooted last night – which has this morning been attributed to attacks from international hackers – then never fear.
It appears that action is commencing, compadre.
The Office of Australian Information Commissioner has released a statement about the Titanic-esque story of the 2016 Census.
Timothy Pilgrim, Australia’s Privacy Commissioner and Acting Australian Information Commissioner, has stated that he is opening an investigation into the Australian Bureau of Statistics over the attacks that caused them to shut down at around 7:30pm yesterday.
In a statement sent out to media, Pilgrim said,
“I am aware of the denial of service attacks on the Census 2016 website last night and my staff have been in contact with ABS this morning.Based on these reports I am commencing an investigation of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in regards to these cyber attacks, under the Australian Privacy Act 1988. My first priority is to ensure that no personal information has been compromised as a result of these attacks.ABS have confirmed that a decision was taken last night to shut down the website in order to protect personal data.
Yesterday I noted that the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has been briefed by the ABS on the privacy protections put in place for the Census. My office will continue to work with the ABS to ensure they are taking appropriate steps to protect the personal information collected through the Census.”
We’ll update this story as more information arises.
Source: Supplied.
Photo: ABS/AIC.
