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Tom Wark

Hack of energy giant could expose data of millions

Origin has 4.8 million customer accounts in Australia, including residential and business customers. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Millions of Australians may have had data accessed by hackers after Origin Energy confirmed it is investigating a cybersecurity incident.

The energy giant is aware of an incident where unauthorised access to customer data may have been granted, it said in a statement to the ASX on Wednesday afternoon.

However, the company said it does not believe the data that was breached includes customer credit card or bank details.

"We understand an incident like this may raise concerns and acknowledge the impact of this uncertainty on Origin customers," it said.

data
The company says it has notified authorities including the AFP about the incident. (Rounak Amini/AAP PHOTOS)

"Our investigations into this incident are occurring as a matter of urgency, and Origin will provide further updates as appropriate."

Origin has 4.8 million customer accounts in Australia and provides electricity, natural gas, LPG, and internet services to residential and business customers.

The company says it has notified the AFP, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner about the incident.

Shares in the company had dropped nearly three per cent from the open at 1.30pm.

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