NSW launches ID recovery service for cyber attack victims

Cyber Security NSW has launched an identity recovery service with IDCARE, to assist government customers whose identities become compromised after incidents that see their personal information compromised.

The service connects members of the community with identity and cyber security counsellors who can provide advice on how best to respond a range of incidents including data breaches, ID theft, the full spectrum of digital scams and other cyber security concerns.

IDCARE also helps develop insights relating to individuals and organisations in order to address deficiencies and vulnerabilities in their security posture.

Chief cyber security officer Tony Chapman, who was appointed to the new whole-of-government cyber office in May, said the partnership with IDCARE provides funding for 500 individual referrals to IDCARE to be used as required by government agencies and departments.

“For customers of the NSW Government this arrangement means a more direct connection between residents of NSW and the specialist support available via IDCARE,” Chapman said in a statement.

“As around one in three clients of IDCARE reside in NSW our arrangement is a very practical and meaningful way the NSW government can support customers impacted by scams, identity crimes and cyber crimes.”

IDCARE managing director, David Lacey, added that victims of cyber attacks typically find the organisation’s specialist services after having been bounced around between organisations.

“Connecting impacted residents to IDCARE quickly can make a real difference to the harm they experience online, the exposure they have to other crimes, and the timeliness of their response efforts,” Lacey said.

IDCARE has responded to more than 30,000 requests for help from Australia and New Zealand since 2014.