Origin Energy hack traced to Accenture's Manila office

Cybersecurity experts have uncovered that a former Accenture employee operating from Manila was responsible for the recent data breach at Origin Energy, which exposed personal information of nearly one million Australians. Origin Energy customers expressed alarm over the incident, demanding the company provide more details about the security breach.

The investigation traced the security threat to an ex-Accenture employee in Manila, who reportedly sought to extort money from the energy company in exchange for the return of the stolen data. Despite Accenture's confirmation of the report, the company chose not to comment further on the matter. Origin Energy, too, declined to comment, citing the ongoing criminal investigation.

In July, the company became aware of a potential security threat but did not initially consider it credible. Origin has since urged customers to remain alert for scams and offered specialist identity and cyber support services to those affected. Australian Federal Police (AFP) officials stated they are collaborating with Origin Energy and other partners to investigate the cyber incident, focusing on gathering evidence, identifying the perpetrator, and disrupting any related criminal activities.