Origin Energy investigating 'potential' breach of Australian customers' data

Origin Energy is investigating a back-end security breach that "may have" affected customers' personal data.

Origin Energy is investigation a back-end security breach that "may have" affected customers' personal data.

The energy supplier lodged a notice on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) on Wednesday morning.

"Origin... is currently investigating a potential security incident which may involve unauthorised access to some customers' data," it said in a statement.

Origin said it did not believe banking details had been affected.

"We do not believe the impacted data includes customer credit card or bank details," the statement read.

"We understand an incident like this may raise concerns and acknowledge the impact of this uncertainty on Origin customers.

"Our investigations into this incident are occurring as a matter of urgency, and Origin will provide further updates as appropriate."

The Australian Cyber Security Centre and Federal Police have both been notified, the company said.

The Australian has reported the alleged hacker sent it a sample of 50 customers' records, including addresses, email, dates of birth, numbers and billing history.

The paper sent the records to Origin for validation and received confirmation a potential security incident could not be ruled out.

The Australian reported it was understood a ransom had not yet been demanded.

The hacker had contacted the paper because Origin "failed to initiate and resolve this matter privately", it reported.