Arabic version: اختراق بيانات يؤثر على آلاف عملاء مهرجان ملبورن السينمائي
More than 26,000 customers of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) have potentially been impacted by a data breach linked to the event’s ticketing platform, Ferve. The festival became aware of the issue on Friday, May 29, prompting immediate action to secure customer information.
According to ABC News, affected customers have reported receiving unusual emails and text messages, including odd content such as sad face emojis and references to pop star Miley Cyrus. One email, titled “Critical Security Incident,” contained the message, “I feel like Miley Cyrus sometimes.”
MIFF has confirmed that the breach may have exposed customer personal information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and residential addresses. However, the festival stated that complete credit card information and account passwords were not compromised.
In response to the breach, MIFF has advised affected customers to remain vigilant against unexpected communications and to avoid clicking on links or providing personal information unless they can verify the source. The investigation into how the breach occurred is ongoing, and the Australian Cyber Security Centre has been notified.
The Melbourne International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 23 this year. Ferve, the ticketing platform involved, is also utilized by other Australian festivals, including the Sydney Fringe Festival and Sydney Film Festival.
