Car Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

What the Latest Latitude Financial Cyberattack Means for Customer Security

What the Latest Latitude Financial Cyberattack Means for Customer Security

What the Latest Latitude Financial Cyberattack Means for Customer Security?w=400
The recent cyberattack on Latitude Financial has affected more than 300,000 customers and resulted in the exposure of sensitive personal information.
This goes to show that even larger Australian companies are not immune to cybercriminals trying to steal valuable data.
Latitude Financial, a consumer lender that offers buy now, pay later schemes to customers shopping at places such as JB Hi-Fi, David Jones, The Good Guys, and Harvey Norman, joins the growing list of Australian companies that have suffered from data breaches.

According to The Guardian, the company reported the theft of personal information of over 300,000 customers. Hackers were able to steal 103,000 identification documents, including drivers' licenses, from one provider and 225,000 customer records from another provider in the "sophisticated and malicious" cyberattack. Latitude Financial has not yet disclosed the names of the two service providers.

Latitude Financial confirmed that they had noticed unusual activity on their systems, which they immediately acted upon. However, the attacker was able to obtain Latitude employee login credentials to access personal information held by other service providers. This indicates that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and are finding ways to bypass cybersecurity measures implemented by companies.

UNSW cybersecurity expert Richard Buckland stated that the cyberattack was "very concerning" because of the sheer amount of identification documents required to take out a loan. Latitude Financial is responsible for keeping customers' personal information confidential and secure, and this breach has put customers' financial security at risk. It is worrying to think that customers who have handed over sensitive information that they need to take out loans are now at risk of identity theft.

Latitude Financial has apologized to affected customers and has taken immediate steps to contact each one of them. They are also working closely with the Australian Cyber Security Centre to investigate the incident further. Furthermore, the company has urged customers to monitor their accounts for any unusual activities and has assured them that they are doing everything they can to prevent further breaches from occurring.

Data breaches like these should serve as a wake-up call for companies to invest more in cybersecurity. They must ensure that their cybersecurity protocols are up to date and that employees are aware of their responsibility in maintaining the security of sensitive customer data. Companies that offer financial services must take extra precautions since customer data is their most valuable asset.

In conclusion, the Latitude Financial cyberattack is another reminder that companies need to be proactive in securing their customer data. Cybercriminals will continue to evolve their tactics and will always look for vulnerabilities to exploit. Companies must take the necessary steps to ensure that they are equipped to prevent cyberattacks while reassuring their customers that they are taking every step to keep their data safe. It is essential to prioritize cybersecurity measures for the sake of customer security and trust.

Published:Friday, 17th Mar 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Wall Street Surges Following US-China Tariff Reduction Agreement Wall Street Surges Following US-China Tariff Reduction Agreement
13 May 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development, Wall Street's three major indices have leapt forward as the S&P 500 reached its highest point since March. This upwards trend follows the announcement of a temporary reduction in tariffs between the United States and China, offering hope for a de-escalation in global trade tensions initiated by US President Donald Trump in April. - read more
Calls Intensify for Swift Financial Advice Reforms in Australia Calls Intensify for Swift Financial Advice Reforms in Australia
06 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid pressing concerns from industry associations, the call for rapid finalization of financial advice reforms in Australia has been amplified. The lack of direction from the Labour government regarding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) is causing uncertainty in the sector, potentially stalling essential reform work. The impending retirement of Stephen Jones has only added to the speculation surrounding the future of these reforms. - read more
Unlocking Income Opportunities Through Commercial Real Estate Debt Unlocking Income Opportunities Through Commercial Real Estate Debt
06 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Investors are increasingly discovering income prospects in commercial real estate (CRE) without owning property directly. CRE debt investments offer a popular method to generate returns by lending to those requiring capital for commercial property ventures. The investors' gains are derived from borrowing costs, encompassing interest and fees, once fund expenses are deducted. - read more
Navigating the Challenges of Bond Income Distributions Navigating the Challenges of Bond Income Distributions
05 May 2025: Paige Estritori

As global bond yields experience a resurgence, many income-seeking investors face diminishing returns from cash distributions. According to a recent analysis by investment researcher Zenith, a noticeable discrepancy has emerged between the average yields of bond fund portfolios and their actual income distributions. - read more
Westpac Records Slight Profit Drop Amid Geopolitical Risk Concerns Westpac Records Slight Profit Drop Amid Geopolitical Risk Concerns
05 May 2025: Paige Estritori

In a cautious signal to the market, Westpac has recorded a marginal decline in its half-year profit, posting a $3.45 billion result, down by one per cent compared to previous figures. This financial outcome marks the first under the direction of their new CEO, Anthony Miller, who commenced his role in December last year. Westpac has flagged geopolitical unpredictability as a significant ongoing risk, reflecting a challenging environment for the financial sector. - read more


Car Loans Articles

Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance
Entering the world of car finance can be both an exciting and daunting venture. With a plethora of options for car loans in Australia, it is essential for potential buyers to arm themselves with knowledge to make the best financial decision. A well-informed choice can be the difference between a loan that propels your personal mobility, and one that hinders your financial stability. - read more
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in Australia Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in Australia
Before taking the plunge into car ownership, it's crucial to have a clear view of your current financial health. Start by evaluating your income, monthly expenses, and any savings you may have set aside. This assessment will give you a realistic picture of how much you can allocate towards buying a car without straining your finances. - read more
From Fuel to Finance: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Car Costs From Fuel to Finance: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Car Costs
When it comes to owning a car in Australia, many of us view it as a symbol of freedom, an essential convenience, or even a reflection of our personal style. Yet, for all the road trips planned and errands run, the cost of owning a car extends well beyond the sticker price. - read more
Understanding Car Loan Refinancing in Australia: When Is It the Right Move? Understanding Car Loan Refinancing in Australia: When Is It the Right Move?
Car loan refinancing involves replacing an existing car loan with a new one, usually to lower the interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or modify the loan term. In Australia's fluctuating economic landscape, refinancing can be a strategic financial decision for borrowers looking to adjust their finances to more favorable terms. - read more
Top Tips for Australians Navigating the Online Car Market Top Tips for Australians Navigating the Online Car Market
The Australian automotive landscape has witnessed a significant transformation with the rise of online car sales. The concept of browsing, selecting, and purchasing a vehicle through digital platforms has gained immense popularity, offering consumers a vast array of choices at their fingertips. - read more
From Fuel to Finance: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Car Costs From Fuel to Finance: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Car Costs
When it comes to owning a car in Australia, many of us view it as a symbol of freedom, an essential convenience, or even a reflection of our personal style. Yet, for all the road trips planned and errands run, the cost of owning a car extends well beyond the sticker price. - read more
Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance
Entering the world of car finance can be both an exciting and daunting venture. With a plethora of options for car loans in Australia, it is essential for potential buyers to arm themselves with knowledge to make the best financial decision. A well-informed choice can be the difference between a loan that propels your personal mobility, and one that hinders your financial stability. - read more
Understanding Car Loan Refinancing in Australia: When Is It the Right Move? Understanding Car Loan Refinancing in Australia: When Is It the Right Move?
Car loan refinancing involves replacing an existing car loan with a new one, usually to lower the interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or modify the loan term. In Australia's fluctuating economic landscape, refinancing can be a strategic financial decision for borrowers looking to adjust their finances to more favorable terms. - read more
Your Car Loan Journey: From Application to Approval Your Car Loan Journey: From Application to Approval
In this article, we are embarking on a guided journey that we believe will help immensely in navigating the intricacies of the car loan process. - read more
Navigating Car Finance: How to Choose a Loan That Works for You Navigating Car Finance: How to Choose a Loan That Works for You
Buying a car is a significant financial decision, and for many, it means exploring the world of car finance. In Australia, the options are plentiful, and understanding them is key to making an informed choice. Car finance can seem daunting, with various loan types, interest rates, and repayment plans to consider. But fear not – a clear understanding of these options can steer you towards a deal that complements your financial circumstances. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Get a free car loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):
A type of mortgage in which the interest rate applied on the outstanding balance varies throughout the life of the loan.