Qantas Hit by Massive Cyberattack: Personal Data of Up to 6 Million Customers Stolen
What Happened, Who’s Affected, and What You Need to Know
Australian airline giant Qantas Airways has fallen victim to a significant cyberattack that compromised the personal data of up to six million customers. The breach occurred at a call centre using a third-party customer service platform, exposing sensitive information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, and frequent flyer numbers.
Fortunately, no credit card details, financial information, or passport data were accessed, and frequent flyer accounts remain secure. Qantas confirmed the system has now been contained, and its airline operations continue without disruption.
Details of the Breach
The hackers targeted a Manila-based call centre platform, where customer service records for millions of Qantas clients were stored. While investigations continue, the airline anticipates a significant amount of data was compromised. This incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of companies relying on interconnected digital systems.
What Qantas Is Doing Next
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson has issued an apology and emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting affected customers. The airline has reported the cyberattack to Australian authorities, including the Federal Police, Cyber Security Centre, and Information Commissioner, highlighting the criminal nature of the breach.
A dedicated customer support line and online resource page have been set up for those affected, offering identity protection advice and assistance.
The Bigger Picture: Cybersecurity Threats in Australia
This breach follows other major cyberattacks in Australia’s corporate landscape, including the 2022 Optus and Medibank Private hacks, which exposed millions of customer records. Qantas itself experienced a data leak last year when frequent flyer information was stolen by rogue employees at an outsourced service provider.
With cybercriminal groups like Scattered Spider suspected behind recent airline hacks globally, businesses must continue strengthening their cybersecurity defenses to protect customers’ personal data.
What You Can Do
If you’ve recently flown with Qantas or have a frequent flyer account, stay vigilant. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and reach out to Qantas through their dedicated support channels for guidance on protecting your identity.
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