Nine Newspapers Data Breach: What You Need to Know

Another day, another data breach—this time, it’s Nine Newspapers. If you’re one of the 16,000 affected readers, you’re probably wondering what this means for your personal information. While the breach didn’t expose credit card details, other sensitive data like names, phone numbers, and email addresses were compromised. This kind of information might not seem as critical as banking details, but in the wrong hands, it can be used for phishing scams, identity theft, and targeted cyberattacks. So, what happened? According to reports, Nine’s subscriber database was accessed by an unauthorised third party. The company has since notified affected users and assured the public that payment details weren’t compromised. However, even without financial data, the exposure of personal information is concerning—especially in an era where cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated. How This Affects You Even if you weren’t directly impacted, this breach is a reminder of how vulnerable our data can be. Cybercriminals can use stolen information to impersonate you, send phishing emails, or even try to gain access to more sensitive accounts. If you’ve ever signed up for an online service, there’s always a risk that your data could be exposed in a breach like this. How to Protect Yourself How TRU Investigations Can Help At TRU Investigations, we specialise in Cybersecurity Services that help businesses protect their digital assets. From dark web monitoring and threat assessments to cybersecurity awareness training, we take a proactive approach to keeping your information safe. Stay safe online!
NSW Court Files Breach Highlights Urgency for Secure Data Handling

In recent news, the New South Wales (NSW) court system has been thrust into the spotlight due to a significant data breach affecting thousands of court files. This incident, reported across multiple reputable sources including NSW Police, The Guardian, IT News, and News.com.au, underscores the critical importance of robust data security practices in today’s digital age. What Happened? Approximately 9,000 court files, containing sensitive information including Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), were compromised in a breach of the NSW court system’s online registry. This breach has raised concerns about the security protocols in place for handling such confidential data within government systems. Implications for Privacy and Security The exposure of AVOs and other sensitive court documents highlights the severe consequences of data breaches. Such incidents not only jeopardise individual privacy but also erode public trust in the institutions entrusted with safeguarding sensitive information. The Role of Cybersecurity in Protecting Data At Tru Investigations, we understand the paramount importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive information. As specialists in cybersecurity and investigative services, we emphasise proactive measures to prevent data breaches: How We Can Help In response to incidents like the NSW court files breach, Tru Investigations offers tailored cybersecurity services designed to protect businesses and individuals from digital threats. Our services include: Conclusion The recent breach of NSW court files serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors. At Tru Investigations, we remain committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of digital security, ensuring their peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world. For more information on how we can protect your business or personal data, contact us at info@truinvestigations.com.au or call 08 6556 6428. Stay informed, stay secure with Tru Investigations.
How to Find Someone in Australia: Utilising Online Resources and Private Investigators

Finding someone in Australia can be a breeze if you know where to look. With a plethora of online resources and services at your fingertips, reconnecting with an old mate or tracking down a long-lost family member is more accessible than ever. Whether you need to perform a quick phone number lookup or enlist the help of a private investigator, this guide will navigate you through the various methods available for locating someone down under. This guide is perfect for those wondering how to find someone in Australia. Online Directories: The White Pages One of the most widely used resources for finding individuals in Australia is the White Pages. This comprehensive online directory provides access to residential and business listings across the nation. If you’re on the hunt for someone in New South Wales, the White Pages NSW and White Pages Residential NSW are your best mates. When seeking how to find someone in Australia, starting with White Pages is always a good bet. For those seeking specific local listings, White Pages Sydney and White Pages Melbourne are invaluable tools. Simply enter the individual’s name and location for a swift person lookup. If you happen to possess a phone number, the Reverse Phone Number Lookup service can reveal associated details faster than a kangaroo on the hop, making it easier to find someone in Australia. For a more national approach, White Pages Australia encompasses all states and territories, allowing you to track down contacts from Queensland to Perth. Moreover, the NSW White Pages Residential section is particularly handy for searching residential addresses in New South Wales, making it as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as lamingtons? This is a crucial resource for anyone looking for tips on how to find someone in Australia. Reverse Australia: A Powerful Tool What happens if you only have a phone number and need to uncover the identity behind it? Enter Reverse Australia, your secret weapon. This tool enables you to perform a reverse directory lookup, unveiling the name and address linked to a specific phone number. It’s like magic—only without the rabbits and top hats. This is another method showing how to find someone in Australia. The Reverse Australia Lookup service is especially useful for those pesky unknown calls. With just a few clicks, you can uncover who’s been harassing you with unsolicited calls, and hopefully, it’s not your old school teacher looking for a catch-up! When you’re curious about how to find someone in Australia, Reverse Australia can be incredibly effective. National Archives of Australia For those interested in historical records or tracing family roots, the National Archives of Australia is a treasure chest of information. The Australian National Archives offers access to an extensive collection of documents that can aid in genealogical research. While this resource may not be immediately useful for contemporary searches, it can be invaluable for those with a penchant for the past or an affinity for family trees—complete with a few branches that might be better left unspoken. This is also an exceptional resource for understanding how to find someone in Australia with historical context. The Role of Private Investigators When traditional methods yield little fruit, hiring a private investigator might just be the ticket. A private has access to databases and tools that mere mortals do not. These trained professionals can conduct thorough searches, ensuring that no stone is left unturned—or in some cases, no pub left unvisited! They know best how to find someone in Australia when all else fails. You might ask, what is a private investigator? Essentially, they are experts in gathering information on behalf of clients, which can include locating individuals, conducting background checks, and performing surveillance. If your case becomes more complex than a soap opera plot, a private detective can help unearth information that may be lurking in the shadows, much like a well-camouflaged wallaby. Hiring a private investigator is often considered when figuring out how to find someone in Australia. Phone Number Searches If you’re after someone’s phone number, services like Phone Lookup Australia and Google Phone Number Lookup Australia can work wonders. These tools allow you to enter a person’s name or address to track down their contact information faster than you can say “Vegemite on toast.” If you have a mobile number, the Mobile Phone Number Search Australia service is particularly handy for locating the owner. These services are incredibly helpful when you’re trying to find someone in Australia using their phone number. In some cases, you may want to make your number private when reaching out to someone. Understanding how to do this is crucial, especially if you’re keen on maintaining a bit of mystery. To make a private call, simply dial the appropriate code before the number (for instance, 1831 in Australia), or have a chat with your mobile provider about the privacy settings they offer. It’s essential to know this if you want to maintain confidentiality while finding someone in Australia. Making Your Number Private For those who are privacy-conscious and wish to keep their number confidential, there are steps to take. How to make your number private can vary by provider, but generally, you can set up privacy options through your phone or by contacting your service provider. It’s essential to get familiar with these settings, especially if you frequently make calls to people you barely know—like that friend who insists on telling you about their cat’s latest escapades. This knowledge can be quite useful when finding someone in Australia but wanting to stay anonymous. To ensure your number is private, consider asking others how to make my number private when sharing contact details. Mastering these settings will help you maintain control over your personal information, much like a seasoned pro at the barbecue controls the sausages. Conclusion Finding someone in Australia has never been easier, thanks to a variety of online resources and the expertise of private investigators. Whether you’re employing tools like Reverse Australia for phone number lookups,
BOLTON -v- ELECTRICITY NETWORKS CORPORATION [2024] WADC 107 (S)
Catchwords:Practice and procedure – Offers of compromise pursuant to Rules of the Supreme Court 1971 (WA) O 24A – Whether leave should be given to withdraw acceptance [2024] WADC 107 (S)[2024] WADC 107 (S) [JS] Page 1JURISDICTION : DISTRICT COURT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIAIN CIVILLOCATION : PERTHCITATION : BOLTON -v- ELECTRICITY NETWORKS CORPORATION [2024] WADC 107 (S)CORAM : GETHING DCJHEARD : 3 DECEMBER 2024DELIVERED : 14 JANUARY 2025FILE NO/S : CIV 4604 of 2015BETWEEN : MARK BOLTONPlaintiffJOHN SMITH (a pseudonym)XXX PlaintiffANDELECTRICITY NETWORKS CORPORATIONFirst DefendantVENTIA UTILITY SERVICES PTY LTD formerly known as THIESS SERVICES PTY LTDSecond DefendantNOREEN CAMPBELLThird Defendant[2024] WADC 107 (S)[2024] WADC 107 (S) [JS] Page 2Catchwords:Practice and procedure – Offers of compromise pursuant to Rules of the Supreme Court 1971 (WA) O 24A – Whether leave should be given to withdraw acceptanceLegislation:Rules of the Supreme Court 1971 (WA), O 24A r 5Result:Leave refusedRepresentation:Counsel:Plaintiff:Not applicableXXX Plaintiff:Mr T M ClaveyFirst Defendant:Mr J Inness-CampbellSecond Defendant:Ms C J PaxtonThird Defendant:Ms M K JoyceSolicitors:Plaintiff:Slater+Gordon – PerthXXX Plaintiff:Slater+Gordon – PerthFirst Defendant:DLA Piper Australia – PerthSecond Defendant:Wotton + Kearney Lawyers (Perth)Third Defendant:Minter EllisonCase(s) referred to in decision(s):A v City of Swan [No 4] [2009] WASC 155Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd v Australian National University [2009] HCA 27; (2009) 239 CLR 175Connor v Veitch [2023] WASCA 186Cumper v Pothecary [1941] 2 KB 58Electricity Networks Corporation t/as Western Power v Herridge Parties [2022] HCA 37; (2022) 276 CLR 271[2024] WADC 107 (S)[2024] WADC 107 (S) [JS] Page 3Godden v Alford [1960] WAR 235Herridge Parties v Electricity Networks Corporation t/as Western Power [2021] WASCA 111Hodder v Australian Executor Trustees Ltd (as administrator of the estate of Reece William Hodder) [No. 3] [2022] WASC 361Hughes v St Barbara Ltd [2011] WASCA 234 (S)Latoudis v Casey (1990) 170 CLR 534Lawrence v Province Leader of the Oceania Province of the Congregation of the Christian Brothers [2020] WADC 27 (S)Maitland Hospital v Fisher No 2 27 NSWLR 721Malliaros v Moralis [1991] 2 VR 501Mohamed v Farah [2004] NSWSC 482Naidoo v Williamson [2008] WASCA 179; (2008) 37 WAR 516 Nesci v Nesci [2005] WASC 65Northern Territory v Sangare [2019] HCA 25; (2019) 265 CLR 164Parke v Rubenstein [2020] FCA 1466Seddone v Commonwealth Bank of Australia [2024] WASCA 70Sommerville Kalgoorlie Pty Ltd v Gullan Pty Ltd [2023] WASCA 45Strzelecki Holdings Pty Ltd v Jorgensen [2019] WASCA 96Uin v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2022] NSWSC 180Young v Combe (Unreported, NSWSC, Library No 3254, 29 July 1993)Zaghloul v Bayly [2023] WASCA 64[2024] WADC 107 (S)GETHING DCJ[2024] WADC 107 (S) [JS] Page 4GETHING DCJ:Introduction1John Smith (a pseudonym) is one of a large number of people who suffered loss and damage as a result of the Parkerville Bushfires on 12 January 2014.1 He suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a Major Depressive Disorder. Mr Smith was part of a class action commenced in the Supreme Court. The defendants were Electricity Networks Corporation trading as Western Power (Western Power), Ventia Utility Services Pty Ltd formerly known as Thiess Services Pty Ltd (Ventia) and Noreen Campbell. The defendants’ liability for causing Mr Smith’s injuries has been determined, as well as the manner in which liability is to be apportioned between them.2 By orders made on 29 June 2022, Mr Smith’s action for damages for personal injuries was remitted to the District Court for assessment.2On 5 May 2023, the defendants collectively served on Mr Smith’s lawyers an offer of compromise pursuant to Rules of the Supreme Court 1971 (WA) (RSC) O 24A (Offer).3On 2 June 2023, Mr Smith, through his lawyers, accepted the Offer (Acceptance).4By application filed on 3 November 2023, Mr Smith sought an order giving him leave to withdraw the Acceptance (Application).5For the reasons which follow, I decline to grant leave to Mr Smith to withdraw the Acceptance.Materials before the court6Mr Smith relied on the following documents:(a) his affidavit sworn 3 November 2023 (First Smith Affidavit);(b) his affidavit sworn 5 October 2024 (Second Smith Affidavit);(c) an affidavit from Jane Smith (a pseudonym), Mr Smith’s wife, sworn 15 May 2024 (Mrs Smith Affidavit);1 This decision is an anonymised version of the decision reported as [2024] WADC 107 which is suppressed.2 See generally: Electricity Networks Corporation t/as Western Power v Herridge Parties [2022] HCA 37; (2022) 276 CLR 271; Herridge Parties v Electricity Networks Corporation t/as Western Power [2021] WASCA 111.[2024] WADC 107 (S)GETHING DCJ[2024] WADC 107 (S) [JS] Page 5(d) an affidavit from Jackson Pannam, a solicitor employed by Mr Smith’s lawyers, Slater+Gordon, dated 9 October 2024 (Pannam Affidavit); and(e) an outline of submissions dated 10 October 2024.7Western Power filed submissions dated 19 November 2024.8Ms Campbell relies on:(a) an affidavit of Melissa Joyce, a principal of her lawyers, sworn 19 November 2024; and(b) an outline of submissions dated 19 November 2024.9Ventia did not file any documents. Counsel for Ventia was content to rely on materials filed, and submissions of, the other two defendants.Correspondence between the lawyers10It is instructive to set out the correspondence between the lawyers before considering the correspondence between Mr Smith and his lawyers, and the evidence of his mental health at the time.11The Offer is set out in a letter dated 5 May 2023, sent by email, from Jock Inness-Campbell (partner) and Alicia Pull (Senior Associate) of DLA Piper (Western Power’s lawyers) to Briee Rogers of Slater+Gordon. The Offer is to the following effect:(a) the defendants would pay a sum of money to Mr Smith which I will refer to as the ‘Settlement Sum’;(b) in addition, the defendants would pay Mr Smith’s legal costs and disbursements to be taxed if not agreed;(c) the sums payable would be split between the defendants in proportions set out in the letter; and(d) the terms of the offer, and the agreement formed upon its acceptance, were to be kept confidential and not disclosed (save pursuant to a legal obligation, or to the parties’ legal and professional advisers) without prior written consent of all other parties.[2024] WADC 107 (S)GETHING DCJ[2024] WADC 107 (S) [JS] Page 612The Offer was expressed to be open for acceptance by Mr Smith for a period
Uncovering the Truth: How a Private Investigator Can Help You

Often using tools like a GPS tracker, private investigators can gather the information you need. Whether you suspect a cheating wife, need to locate someone, or want to conduct a background check, hiring a private investigator can offer the professional support you need. In today’s digital world, tracking down information requires expertise, and a private investigator’s toolkit often includes everything from GPS trackers to mobile number lookup services. This post will explore various tools and techniques used in investigations and how you can use them to uncover the truth. A GPS tracker can be a crucial element in many cases. Using a GPS Tracker in Investigations A GPS tracker is a powerful tool used by private investigators to monitor the movements of individuals, whether they are suspected of infidelity or involved in other suspicious activities. A GPS with tracker system can be discreetly installed on a vehicle to track locations and movement patterns. For someone who suspects their spouse might be cheating, a GPS for tracker can help confirm or refute those suspicions by providing real-time location data.It’s also worth noting the use of such devices are subject to state laws. Defining Infidelity: Physical vs. Emotional Before taking drastic steps, it’s essential to understand what constitutes infidelity. For many, it’s not just physical affairs but also emotional cheating that can break trust in a relationship. Emotional cheating occurs when one partner develops a deep emotional connection with someone outside the relationship, even if there’s no physical contact. Both forms of cheating can cause significant distress and may warrant the help of a private investigator to gather evidence. Sometimes, tools like a gps tracker can also provide needed clarity. Using Phone Number Lookup Services If you need to identify the owner of a suspicious number, there are several tools for phone number lookup in Australia. Whether you’re receiving mysterious calls or texts, a reverse call lookup can help trace the number. Sites like Reverse Australia lookup and Australia phone number lookup offer free services to check this phone number Australia and give insights into who might be contacting you. A mobile number lookup Australia is especially useful when investigating infidelity. Many people leave digital trails through phone calls and texts, and a free mobile number lookup Australia can help you identify those involved in secretive or illicit communications. You can also try using the australian white pages residential directory, which may help you find the number associated with a residence. Incorporating a gps tracker can provide additional context to these investigations. How to Retrieve Deleted Messages In many cases of suspected infidelity, one partner may attempt to hide evidence by deleting incriminating texts. Knowing how to retrieve deleted messages can be a crucial part of gathering evidence. While retrieving deleted messages may sound challenging, a skilled private investigator can use specialized software to recover these texts from phones or backup systems. This can provide you with the proof you need to confront a cheating partner. For comprehensive tracking, GPS tracker systems can also be employed. Listening Devices: Gathering Audio Evidence Private investigators sometimes use listening devices to capture conversations that could provide critical information for an investigation. While it’s important to note the legal restrictions on using such devices, under the right circumstances, they can be instrumental in uncovering hidden affairs or shady business deals. If you suspect your partner is engaged in an affair, listening devices can capture private conversations that would otherwise remain secret. Combining audio evidence with GPS tracker data can often paint a fuller picture. Background Checks and Security Licences A thorough background check can be essential when investigating suspicious behavior. Whether it’s looking into a potential business partner or examining the past of someone new in your life, a private investigator can help reveal red flags. All investigators have a security licence, allowing them to conduct in-depth investigations and access certain information restricted to licensed professionals. They might even use advanced tools like a GPS tracker when needed and if legal to do so. Questions to Get to Know Someone: Spotting Red Flags Often, the best way to understand a person’s intentions is by asking the right questions. Some basic get to know you questions can reveal a lot about someone’s values, behavior, and potential for dishonesty. While these aren’t foolproof, they can sometimes signal red flags. Here are some questions to get to know someone better: Asking these can help you gauge a person’s integrity and emotional stability. However, if you feel something isn’t right, it might be time to call in a private investigator. Sometimes, the use of a gps tracker can also play a role in understanding a person’s actions. The Role of Reverse Call Lookup If you’re trying to identify unknown callers, a reverse call lookup can be useful. By entering a phone number into online databases, you can uncover the identity of the person behind those suspicious calls. This service is often paired with number lookup Australia tools, which may include both landlines and mobile numbers. Adding a gps tracker to your toolkit can further enhance your investigation capabilities. Conclusion In today’s fast-paced world, uncovering the truth often requires more than just gut instinct. Whether you’re dealing with a cheating wife, performing a background check, or trying to track down someone using a reverse Australia lookup, the expertise of a private investigator can make all the difference. From employing GPS trackers and listening devices to using phone number lookup Australia services, there are many tools available to assist in getting the answers you need. If you suspect someone is hiding something from you, don’t hesitate to take action. A private investigator can discreetly gather the evidence you need, whether it’s for a legal case or simply for your peace of mind. With tools like a gps tracker and professional expertise, the truth is always within reach. If you need to feel free to reach out to us for help by booking a free phone consult or you can email us.