20th August 2025 Cyber Update: Australian ISP iiNet Hit by Credential Theft Attack Exposing 280,000+ Customer Records

Australian internet provider iiNet confirms major data breach affecting 280,000+ customers after hackers used stolen employee credentials to access order management system. TPG CEO apologises "unreservedly" as investigation continues.

20th August 2025 Cyber Update: Australian ISP iiNet Hit by Credential Theft Attack Exposing 280,000+ Customer Records
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Today’s Cyber Update
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Cyber News Centre's cyber update for 20th August 2025: iiNet has confirmed a significant data breach affecting over 280,000 customers after an unknown attacker gained unauthorised access to its order management system using stolen employee credentials, with TPG Telecom CEO issuing an unreserved apology.

iiNet Data Breach

iiNet is one of Australia's major internet service providers and a subsidiary of TPG Telecom, the country's second-largest telecommunications company. The company provides broadband, mobile, and telecommunications services to residential and business customers across Australia.

The Update and Why It Matters

Update: Yesterday, TPG Telecom confirmed that its subsidiary iiNet was the target of a significant cyberattack that led to the unauthorised access of personal data belonging to more than 280,000 customers. The breach, detected on Saturday, August 16, occurred after an attacker gained access to iiNet's order management system using stolen employee credentials.

The compromised data includes around 280,000 active email addresses, 20,000 active landline phone numbers, and approximately 10,000 customer usernames, street addresses, and phone numbers. In addition, about 1,700 modem set-up passwords were accessed. TPG clarified that no financial information or identity documents were exposed.

The company has secured the affected system and engaged external cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident. All affected customers are being notified, and a dedicated hotline has been set up to provide support.

TPG Telecom CEO Inaki Berroeta stated, “We unreservedly apologise to our iiNet customers impacted by this incident. We are continuing our investigations to ensure we understand all details surrounding this incident.”

He confirmed that early findings suggest access was gained using stolen credentials from a single employee account. The breach was not ransomware-related, and no further escalation beyond the order management system has been identified.

The company immediately activated its incident response plan and is working closely with the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the National Office of Cyber Security, the Australian Signals Directorate, and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Why it Matters:
This attack highlights the persistent risks facing major telecommunications providers and the far-reaching consequences for customers when personal data is exposed. The compromised information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and street addresses, leaves iiNet customers vulnerable to phishing attempts, identity theft, and other malicious activity.

For TPG Telecom, the breach represents a serious test of its security posture and customer trust. It also brings regulatory attention, particularly from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. The company’s ability to support affected customers, strengthen its internal security measures, and prevent further compromise will be crucial in determining the long-term impact on its reputation.


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