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Downer Group controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2020

    Spotless reports ransomware-linked server access incident

    Issue disclosure

    Spotless was attacked by ransomware attackers. A Downer spokesperson confirmed an infection and said the company was investigating suspicious activity involving unauthorised access to some Spotless servers; access to some servers was restricted and the Australian Cyber Security Centre was notified.

    Company response

    • Investigation — Downer Group

      “We are investigating suspicious activity involving unauthorised access to a number of Spotless servers,” a spokesperson told iTnews.

    • Remediation — Downer Group

      “We have restricted access to a number of Spotless servers and have notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).”

    Source excerpt

    • Spotless Group, the Downer-owned facilities services provider, is the latest high-profile Australian company to fall victim to ransomware attackers.
    • iTnews learned that the company had been attacked on Friday last week, and a Downer spokesperson confirmed the infection.
    • “We are investigating suspicious activity involving unauthorised access to a number of Spotless servers,” a spokesperson told iTnews.
    Source

  2. 2019

    Use of dowsing to locate water pipes

    A Downer contractor working for Wellington City Council used water divining, or dowsing, to help locate underground pipes. The practice is widely regarded as pseudoscientific, and New Zealand Skeptics criticized the company after Downer indicated that it did not plan to prohibit employees from using the method. In December 2019, the organization co-awarded Downer its Bent Spoon for what it described as an especially credulous example of pseudoscience.

    Source