Russian criminals are publishing Australians’ sensitive health records

Published

3 years ago

November 11, 2022

The group responsible for Australia’s Medibank data hack have been identified

A Russian criminal gang is behind the latest data breach to grip Australian consumers.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has identified REvil, a Russian-based ransomware crime group as the perpetrators behind the hack.

Over 9.7 million customers from Medibank—one of the nation’s largest health insurers—have been embroiled in the leak.

“Let me say this, I am disgusted by the perpetrators of this criminal act,” said the nation’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

On Friday, a third wave of health data was published online in relation to people’s mental health, and drug and alcohol use.

Around 240 people were identified in the file, which was titled ‘boozy’.

“We know where they’re coming from, we know who is responsible, and we say that they should be held to account,” Mr Albanese said.

“The fact is that the nation where these attacks are coming from, should also be held accountable for the disgusting attacks, and the release of information including very private and personal information.”
ANTHONY ALBANESE, AUSTRALIA’S PRIME MINISTER

The AFP’s Commissioner, Reece Kershaw said the hacking event constitutes a crime, which could potentially impact millions of Australians.

“This cyber attack is an unacceptable attack on Australia and it deserves a response that matches the malicious and far-reaching consequences that this crime is causing,” he said.

On Thursday, 303 women had their abortion records published on the dark web.

The leaks began after Medibank refused to pay a $10 million ransom, which equates to around $1 per affected customer.

Commissioner Kershaw said there may also be some affiliates operating in other countries.

“I know Australians are angry, distressed and seeking answers about the highly-sensitive and deeply personal information that is being released by criminals who breached Medibank Private’s data base.”
REECE KERSHAW, AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE

Russian authorities claimed the group had disbanded earlier this year. However, the group has recently made a resurgence.

David Koczkar is the chief executive at Medibank, who said the hackers are expected to continue releasing the “stolen” data every day.

“The relentless nature of this tactic being used by the criminal is designed to cause distress and harm.”

“These are real people behind this data and the misuse of their data is deplorable and may discourage them from seeking medical care,” Koczkar said.

Medibank is in the process of contacting affected customers.

Stocks rally ahead of Thanksgiving as markets log four days of gains

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Markets are moving into the Thanksgiving break with strong momentum, as stocks notch four straight days of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 388 points, while the S&P 500 added 0.9%, pushing both indexes toward their best week since June.

Oracle led major movers, rising more than 4% after Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its bullish outlook on the tech giant. Broad investor optimism continues building across sectors as economic data softens and earnings remain resilient.

All eyes are now on the Federal Reserve and what potential shifts in interest-rate policy may mean for the markets. U.S. markets will close Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen Friday for a shortened trading session.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Markets #Stocks #Thanksgiving #DowJones #SP500 #Oracle #FederalReserve #FinanceNews

Money

Dow surges 500 points amid rate cut optimism

Dow jumps 569 points on fresh hopes for December rate cut and AI market optimism

Published

2 weeks ago

November 26, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Dow jumps 569 points on fresh hopes for December rate cut and AI market optimism

In Short:
– Dow Jones rose 569 points, reflecting optimism for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.
– Alphabet’s stock increased as Meta may invest in AI chips, but Nvidia’s declined amid market concerns.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 569 points or 1.2% on Tuesday, reflecting investor optimism for an upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also posted gains, up 0.8% and 0.4% respectively. This represented a recovery from earlier losses, where the S&P 500 briefly fell by 0.7%.

Markets anticipate an 85% chance of a quarter-point rate cut in December, driven by comments from New York Fed President John Williams, who indicated the possibility of lower rates soon. Investor sentiment strengthened following reports that Kevin Hassett may be appointed as the next Fed chair, potentially resulting in a more lenient monetary policy.

Tech Sector

Alphabet saw its stock rise by over 1% after reports indicated that Meta Platforms might invest in its AI chips. This could signal increased demand for AI technology, benefiting the sector overall. However, Nvidia’s stock fell more than 3%, suggesting concerns about its dominance in the AI chip market.

Investors are also wary of the valuation of tech stocks. Despite recent gains, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq remain down over 1% and 3%, respectively, for November, while the Dow has lost more than 1% this month. The broader market’s performance indicates ongoing scrutiny regarding tech valuations amid changing economic expectations.

Money

Gold prices surge as Central Banks buy big, but risks grow ahead

Gold prices surge as central banks increase demand; risks include a stronger dollar and rising interest rates.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 25, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gold prices surge as central banks increase demand; risks include a stronger dollar and rising interest rates.

Gold prices are climbing fast as central banks ramp up buying, pushing demand to its highest levels in years. The metal’s reputation as a safe haven is strengthening, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and global financial uncertainty.

But experts warn the shine could fade. A stronger US dollar and the possibility of rising interest rates may weigh on momentum, making investors question how long the rally can last.

Dr Steven Enticott from CIA Tax breaks down the drivers behind gold’s surge—from ETF inflows to physical bar demand—and what could send the price sharply higher… or lower.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#gold #markets #centralbanks #economy #finance #investing #interestRates #usdollar