This is the disturbing story of how Optus exposed a woman's sensitive files
- Replies 4
Disclaimer: The names with asterisk (*) have been changed to protect the privacy of the person in this story.
In this modern age, where almost every aspect of our lives has gone digital, we continually stress the importance of online safety and privacy.
Most people have adapted well to advancements in technology, making the most out of various applications, not just for communication but for the safekeeping of precious moments as well.
However, a disturbing incident occurred to a Melbourne woman that served as a wake-up call to everyone. It highlighted whether the digital data contained within our numbers is safe after switching service providers.
Sarah*, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, switched to a new service provider from Optus in May, retaining her original number.
However, she was shocked to discover last week that her number had been assigned to a new Optus customer.
'I received a text saying, “Hello”, with the name of the person, “thank you for your new purchase with Optus”,' she said.
'I found it quite suspicious. I found that they sold my number to a new customer,' Sarah* recalled.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Sarah*, a healthcare worker, realised that the new customer had gained access to her WhatsApp account.
This led to the exposure of sensitive images and information, including a video of her giving birth.
'I lost access to my WhatsApp. It shut down,' Sarah* said. 'It contained very personal photos of my children, and I became distressed that someone had access to that. It's pretty terrifying. I felt violated.'
Despite her attempts to contact the network, Sarah* found it challenging to get a response or any form of resolution about the incident.
'Optus hadn't contacted me,' she stated. 'I called them quite distressed, and I got onto someone, and they found my case, but they didn't have the authority to do anything about it.'
Sarah's* ordeal highlighted the potential risks associated with number portability, a feature that allows customers to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. While this feature is designed for convenience, it can lead to serious privacy breaches if not managed correctly.
In addition to the emotional distress, Sarah* also faced potential financial risks.
'My number is also attached to a number of different verification tools, and I was getting worried about our finances,' she expressed.
The incident has left Sarah* feeling frustrated and violated. 'I asked if I would be compensated, and they said they would give me a $100 cheque, which I still haven't received,' she said.
An Optus spokesperson said the company was aware of the incident and was working to rectify the situation.
'We have reached out to the customer to apologise and rectify the situation,' the spokesperson said. 'We regret that on this occasion, a customer's experience hasn't met the high standards Optus strives to achieve for our customers.'
You can watch 9News Australia’s coverage of this story here:
Source: 9News Australia/Youtube
Understanding the Risks of Number Portability
Number portability is a feature that allows customers to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. This is designed for convenience, allowing customers to avoid the hassle of updating their contact information with friends, family, and businesses.
However, as Sarah's* experience shows, number portability can also lead to serious privacy breaches if not managed correctly. When a number is ported, the new service provider assumes responsibility for the security of that number. If the number is accidentally reassigned to a new customer, the original owner's personal information could be exposed.
To protect yourself from such risks, it's important to ensure that your service provider has robust security measures in place. You should also consider using additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect your personal information.
If you believe your privacy has been breached due to a number of portability issues, you should contact your service provider immediately.
If the issue is not resolved promptly, you may wish to lodge a complaint with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
Have you experienced a similar issue, members? Share your experiences and tips for protecting personal information in the comments below.
In this modern age, where almost every aspect of our lives has gone digital, we continually stress the importance of online safety and privacy.
Most people have adapted well to advancements in technology, making the most out of various applications, not just for communication but for the safekeeping of precious moments as well.
However, a disturbing incident occurred to a Melbourne woman that served as a wake-up call to everyone. It highlighted whether the digital data contained within our numbers is safe after switching service providers.
Sarah*, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, switched to a new service provider from Optus in May, retaining her original number.
However, she was shocked to discover last week that her number had been assigned to a new Optus customer.
'I received a text saying, “Hello”, with the name of the person, “thank you for your new purchase with Optus”,' she said.
An Optus customer discovered that the network had assigned her number to another person. Credit: Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash
'I found it quite suspicious. I found that they sold my number to a new customer,' Sarah* recalled.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Sarah*, a healthcare worker, realised that the new customer had gained access to her WhatsApp account.
This led to the exposure of sensitive images and information, including a video of her giving birth.
'I lost access to my WhatsApp. It shut down,' Sarah* said. 'It contained very personal photos of my children, and I became distressed that someone had access to that. It's pretty terrifying. I felt violated.'
Despite her attempts to contact the network, Sarah* found it challenging to get a response or any form of resolution about the incident.
'Optus hadn't contacted me,' she stated. 'I called them quite distressed, and I got onto someone, and they found my case, but they didn't have the authority to do anything about it.'
Sarah's* ordeal highlighted the potential risks associated with number portability, a feature that allows customers to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. While this feature is designed for convenience, it can lead to serious privacy breaches if not managed correctly.
In addition to the emotional distress, Sarah* also faced potential financial risks.
'My number is also attached to a number of different verification tools, and I was getting worried about our finances,' she expressed.
The incident has left Sarah* feeling frustrated and violated. 'I asked if I would be compensated, and they said they would give me a $100 cheque, which I still haven't received,' she said.
An Optus spokesperson said the company was aware of the incident and was working to rectify the situation.
'We have reached out to the customer to apologise and rectify the situation,' the spokesperson said. 'We regret that on this occasion, a customer's experience hasn't met the high standards Optus strives to achieve for our customers.'
You can watch 9News Australia’s coverage of this story here:
Source: 9News Australia/Youtube
Understanding the Risks of Number Portability
Number portability is a feature that allows customers to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. This is designed for convenience, allowing customers to avoid the hassle of updating their contact information with friends, family, and businesses.
However, as Sarah's* experience shows, number portability can also lead to serious privacy breaches if not managed correctly. When a number is ported, the new service provider assumes responsibility for the security of that number. If the number is accidentally reassigned to a new customer, the original owner's personal information could be exposed.
To protect yourself from such risks, it's important to ensure that your service provider has robust security measures in place. You should also consider using additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect your personal information.
If you believe your privacy has been breached due to a number of portability issues, you should contact your service provider immediately.
If the issue is not resolved promptly, you may wish to lodge a complaint with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
Have you experienced a similar issue, members? Share your experiences and tips for protecting personal information in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
