Origin Energy probes potential data breach affecting millions

Origin Energy is investigating a potential security incident involving unauthorized access to some customer data, and the company says it does not believe data such as credit card or bank details were affected. A hacker has claimed access to personal details of around two million Origin customers and provided a sample of records to The Australian, prompting urgent forensic review. Origin has notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Federal Police and engaged the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner as part of a coordinated regulatory response. The investigation is being treated as urgent, with forensic investigators involved to determine the extent of any breach. The incident has intensified scrutiny of data security in the utilities sector and coincides with broader privacy and cyber-resilience concerns. Market activity around Origin stock reflected investor caution after the update, with the share price falling following the news.