The Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA) says it is working with just over 300 motor injury insurance claimants affected by a cyber attack earlier this year. 

Law firm HWL Ebsworth, which provides legal services to ICWA, reported the cyber-incident in May, which involved ransomware and publication of stolen data on the dark web.  

ICWA, which provides personal injury insurance to WA motorists and self-insurance arrangements to the WA Government, says it was advised that data held by the law firm had been compromised as part of the cyber-attack. 

"ICWA has contacted all affected claimants to provide advice and guidance on how they can enhance protection of their personal information,” a spokesperson told insuranceNEWS.com.au today.  

Response to the incident was led by the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. 

The law firm manages litigation on insurance claims, and ICWA CEO Rod Whithear says the breach was concerning. 

“We’re committed to supporting any claimants who may be impacted by this incident,” he said. 

There were 409 notifications of data breaches lodged in Australia in the six months to June, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) says. The insurance sector reported 25, placing it among the top five sectors to notify.