NOTRE DAME has revealed students’ tax file numbers have been stolen by hackers. 

In an email to students this week, university vice-chancellor Francis Campbell acknowledged the sensitive data had been accessed by hackers in the January cyber-attack.

“The University understands that this news will concern our community, and we apologise for the worry it may cause,” the email read. 

“We also want to assure [students] that we have put measures in place to mitigate any potential risks.” 

The University had notified the Australian Tax Office, according to Prof Campbell, and had taken legal precautions to prevent students’ information from being distributed by the hackers. 

“As a further protection measure, we have engaged specialists to monitor the dark web for any indication that the data may have been published online,” Mr Campbell said. 

“To date, there is no evidence that this has occurred. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, the University has obtained a legal injunction making it a criminal offence to access, disseminate, or share any data leaked by the perpetrator of this criminal attack.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER