NSW government data breaches hit 1 million people in a year
Over 1 million NSW residents were caught in government data breaches in 2025-26, nearly double the previous year.
Over 1 million NSW residents were hit by government data breaches in 2025-26. The number nearly doubled from the year before.
In the past year, 139 breach reports came from government agencies. That's up 20 from the year before.
The NSW Privacy Commissioner says the spike is sobering and concerning. Agencies are now reporting breaches with what she calls concerning regularity.
- Over 1 million
- People affected
- 139
- Breach reports
- 20 reports
- Year-on-year increase
- Sonia Minutillo
- Commissioner
Why it mattersIf your details are held by a NSW government agency, the risk of exposure has jumped sharply. Knowing this helps you stay alert to scams and identity theft.
AustraliaMillions of NSW residents and people who've dealt with NSW government services face higher identity theft and fraud risk. The state's systems are failing to protect citizen data at increasing scale.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
