HWLE recommends individuals take the following steps to reduce the risk of harm associated with access to their personal information:

1. Remain alert to increased scam activity, especially email and SMS or telephone phishing scams (i.e., fraudulent communications disguised as if to look like they come from an organisation you trust). In particular, any such scam activity purporting to come from HWLE or The Star.

2. Do not click on any suspicious links or provide your passwords or any personal information. Always refuse any unprompted request from an individual to access to your computer even if they say they are from a credible organisation.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication for your accounts where possible.

4. Consider changing your online account passwords. The Australian Cyber Security Centre provides guidance around good password practices: https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself

a. Install up-to-date anti-virus software on any device you use to access your online accounts; and

b. To monitor your financial records, you can apply for an annual free credit report or credit report ban from each of the consumer credit reporting agencies below:

i. Equifax: https://www.equifax.com.au/personal/products/credit- and-identity-products;

ii. Illion: https://www.creditcheck.illion.com.au/; and

iii. Experian: http://www.experian.com.au/consumer-reports

5. Where HWLE has confirmed core identity information has been impacted (driver’s licence, tax file number, passport, birth certificate) HWLE is offering those individuals the option of taking out Equifax Protect, a credit and identity monitoring service that helps reduce the risk of financial loss, available for 12-months on request. This subscription includes alerts for changes to credit reporting, monthly credit reports and score tracking. Please contact HWLE at cyberhelp@hwle.com.au to check your eligibility for this subscription and, if applicable, HWLE will make necessary arrangements.

6. HWLE will reimburse individuals for the cost of replacing driver’s licences or passports where such documents have been impacted by the incident and the relevant advice is to replace that document. Please contact HWLE directly on cyberhelp@hwle.com.au to confirm your eligibility for reimbursement.

Further information on online safety, cyber security and helpful tips to protect yourself and respond to scams, identity theft and other online risks, can be found at the following government agency websites: