Calls for vigilance after Ticketek 'cyber incident'

Ticketek says some of its customers' details may have been accessed in a cybersecurity breach. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Australians are being urged to be careful in how they use the internet after Ticketek flagged a "cyber incident" may have exposed customer details.

The ticketing company said in a statement that data from Ticketek Australia account holders stored on a cloud-based platform by a global third party supplier had been affected.

"Since our third party supplier brought this to our attention, over the past few days we have worked diligently to put every resource into completing an investigation, so that we can communicate with you as quickly as possible," Ticketek said in an email sent to some of its customers.

"The available evidence at this time indicates that, from a privacy perspective, customer names, dates of birth and email addresses may have been impacted," the company said.

Minister for Cyber Security Clare O'Neil said on social media platform X that the National Office of Cyber Security had been informed by Ticketek Australia that "data belonging to their customers has been stolen".

"I'd ask Australians to be especially vigilant and on the lookout for scams during a time like this," Ms O'Neil wrote.

"In a breach like this, Australians need to be aware of scams including phishing emails.

"Data breaches are becoming more common - in Australia and around the world. That means that we all have to be more careful in how we use the Internet."

The National Cyber Security Coordinator said the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Federal Police were also aware of the incident.

In response to the breach and the rise in cyber attacks, coalition frontbencher Dan Tehan said the government needs to keep evolving data protection laws to keep Australians safe.

"We need the government working with these companies to help and support them, but also these companies, owe it to the Australian people that they're doing everything they can to keep their data safe," he said.

When asked if companies should face higher fines if subject to a data breach, Mr Tehan agreed.

"If it requires us looking at steeper penalties, so that (companies) undertake that responsibility seriously, then yes, we should look at that," he said.

"The problem is it's innocent Australians, who ultimately, in the end, pay the price if their data isn't protected."

Under laws passed in 2023, in response to a wave of high profile data attacks like Medibank and Optus, companies can face penalties of up to $50 million for serious, repeat breaches.

Earlier this week, the Department of Home Affairs reportedly said it was working with Ticketmaster - a rival ticketing firm - regarding an apparent cybersecurity incident.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store