The biggest hack in history: Australians scramble to change passports and driver licences after Optus telco data debacle

When Amy Hunting* first heard about one of the biggest cyber attacks in Australian history, she immediately checked to see if her personal details had been compromised.

Of the 10 million people whose data was exposed, almost 3 million had crucial identity documents accessed.

It is also considering a European Union-style system of financial penalties for companies that fail to protect their customers.

That demand was followed by a threat to release the records of 10,000 peopleper day until the money was paid. A batch of 10,000 files was later published online.

She also scoffed at the idea the hack was sophisticated.

Australia currently has a $2.2m limit on corporate penalties, and there are calls for harsher penalties to encourage companies to do everything they can to protect consumers.

On Friday, the Australian federal police announced a special operation to protect the identity of the 10,000 victims whose details were already published online.

*Names have been changed.