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Why one state will issue a million of FREE driver’s licences after Optus cybersecurity data breach

  • VicRoads will issue free new licences to motorists impacted by Optus data hack
  • New cards will have a second number to provide additional layer of protection
  • VicRoads said its licence holders were impacted more than any other state

Almost one million motorists who had their personal details compromised in the Optus cybersecurity breach will receive free new licences to protect them from further identity theft.

VicRoads has announced 942,000 redesigned licences will be issued to those impacted by the telco giant’s recent data hack.

The new cards will contain a second number designed to provide an additional layer of protection similar to the security digits on the back of a credit card.

Licence numbers on the new cards will remain the same.

Victorian motorists impacted by the recent Optus cybersecurity breach will be reissued with new licences (stock image)

Victorian motorists impacted by the recent Optus cybersecurity breach will be reissued with new licences (stock image)

Vic Roads has already began emailing impacted motorists. 

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‘By the end of the year, these customers will use both their licence number and card number to prove their identity for services like opening bank accounts, loan applications, phone contracts and real estate transactions,’ the department said.

VicRoads has already flagged the records of more than 462,000 people who have registered their details online as possible victims of the Optus data hack.

Around 342,000 of those confirmed as being affected directly by the Optus cybersecurity breach.

VicRoads estimated around 942,000 motorists were affected. Pictured are motorists on Melbourne's West Gate Freeway

VicRoads estimated around 942,000 motorists were affected. Pictured are motorists on Melbourne’s West Gate Freeway

‘The Optus data breach is the biggest in Australia’s history and Victorian licence holders have been impacted more than any other state,’ a spokesperson said.

‘We are fast-tracking protections for licence holders in response to the Optus data breach through the introduction of two-step verification and the free replacement of nearly 1 million licences.’

The two-step verification process requires both the new card number and also the original licence number for identity confirmation when applying for bank accounts, loan applications, phone contracts and real estate transactions.

The new VicRoads licences are designed to protect current and former Optus customers from further identity theft

The new VicRoads licences are designed to protect current and former Optus customers from further identity theft

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