A recent data breach that has affected Toyota customers globally, including a number of customers here in Australia. The breach has exposed personal information and highlights the importance of taking necessary steps to safeguard your data. We want to ensure that you have the information and resources to protect yourself.
According to recent reports, approximately 2,800 Toyota Australia customers had their data accessed by computer hackers. This incident follows a previous data breach last year, where personal details of over 300,000 customers were compromised.
Initially, Toyota Australia stated that local customers were not impacted by the breach. However, after further investigation, the company discovered that a number of Australian records were indeed affected. Toyota Australia assures customers that there is no evidence of unauthorized access to the data, and the probability of any third party accessing it is extremely low.
While the accessed data may include vehicle information, names, and some contact details, no personal financial information has been compromised. Toyota Australia understands the concerns this breach may raise, and they are taking immediate steps to contact and assist affected customers. They have also implemented additional security measures to protect their systems and customer data.
If you have signed up for Toyota’s cloud-based services or data tracking, we strongly recommend contacting Toyota customer assistance at 1800 869 682 to determine if your information has been affected and to receive further guidance.
In light of this incident, we would like to emphasize the following steps to help safeguard your data:
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions or unusual changes immediately.
- Update Passwords: Change your passwords for all online accounts, using strong and unique combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever available, enable 2FA for your online accounts. This provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device.
- Stay Alert to Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of any unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls requesting personal information. Verify the legitimacy of the source before providing any sensitive data.
- Keep Software Up to Date: Ensure your devices have the latest security updates installed. Regularly update your operating systems, applications, and security software to address any known vulnerabilities.
We understand the importance of your privacy and security, and we encourage you to take these precautions to protect your data. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.