Origin Energy launches investigation into alleged data breach affecting millions

Australia’s largest electricity and gas retailer, Origin Energy, has opened an urgent investigation after a hacker claimed to have accessed personal details of around two million of its 4.7 million customers. The alleged breach includes names, addresses, contact numbers, dates of birth and bill history, but the company says it does not believe credit‑card or bank‑account information was compromised.

Origin has notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Federal Police and is working with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and forensic investigators to determine the scope of the incident. The firm’s share price fell more than 2 percent following the disclosure. A company spokesperson said, “Our investigations into this incident are occurring as a matter of urgency, and Origin will provide further updates as appropriate.”