Russian Medibank hackers could be first targets of Australian sanctions against cyber-attackers

Medibank hack was ‘especially egregious’ and action should be taken against cybercriminals behind attack, shadow minister for cybersecurity, James Paterson, says. Photograph: Diego Fedele/AAP

The Australian government has revealed it is considering using new sanctions powers against cyber-attackers for the first time, sparking calls for the Medibank hackers to be the initial targets.

The Magnitsky-style sanctions laws that were introduced in Australia a year ago include a world-leading measure to allow travel bans and asset freezes on those deemed responsible for “significant” cyber-attacks.