Vodafone Australia sacks staff over data security breach

Vodafone Australia has sacked a number of employees over a serious data security breach that released the details of Vodafone customers to unauthorized people.

A statement from the company says it has also contacted the police to assist in investigations.

The company also confirmed that it has undertaken a review of IT systems security, processes and training.

It says while that review is ongoing, a number of recommendations have been implemented and others are planned for shortly.

Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Australia, Nigel Dews was quoted as saying “we take data security and the storage of our customers’ information extremely seriously – we are conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and of our own security systems and processes and have taken immediate action.”

He said security can always be improved and the additional measures being implemented as a result of the review will increase security and further limit the risk of people doing the wrong thing.

Mr. Dews said some of the initiatives they had already planned for this year are being brought forward and they will also be conducting an additional independent security review.

Vodafone is also reiterating that contrary to earlier reports, customer records are not publicly available or stored on the internet and credit card details held in their database are securely protected.

The company said they have been liaising with the Australian Privacy Commissioner and other government bodies and will be providing its full cooperation to the Police as it undertakes its enquiries.

Meanwhile an imminent court action is hanging around the neck of Vodafone Australia as some 9,000 customers have signed up to class legal action against the company for poor network quality.

By Samuel Dowuona