Qantas hit by massive data breach! Millions at risk after offshore security failure
- Replies 4
Cybersecurity threats are becoming an unfortunate reality in today’s digital world—especially when trusted institutions are involved.
What began as a routine observation of unusual activity quickly unravelled into a large-scale privacy concern.
What followed was a troubling discovery that has left millions of Australians potentially vulnerable.
Cybersecurity concerns reached new heights this week as one of Australia's largest companies found itself at the centre of a data breach potentially affecting millions.
Qantas uncovered a serious cyber incident involving one of its third-party service platforms, with the airline confirming that personal information may have been accessed.
The breach appeared to involve a call centre based offshore—and while the system was said to be ‘contained’, the implications were far from over.
According to Qantas, the issue came to light after ‘unusual activity’ was detected on Monday, prompting an urgent investigation. The affected platform, used for customer servicing, reportedly held records for around six million individuals. The breach did not involve Qantas’ core systems, but what was accessed raised eyebrows.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson addressed the situation directly, stating: ‘We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause.’
She added: ‘Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously.’
Among the data exposed were names, phone numbers, birth dates, email addresses and frequent flyer numbers. However, Qantas clarified that no credit card details, passport numbers or financial information were stored in the affected system.
Hudson confirmed the airline had contacted customers and was offering support.
She continued: ‘We are contacting our customers today and our focus is on providing them with the necessary support.’
The cyberattack originated in the Philippines, where the targeted call centre operates. While frequent flyer accounts were not compromised, the exposure of frequent flyer numbers has led to growing concerns over scams and unauthorised activity.
Finder’s Editor-at-large Angus Kidman weighed in on the breach, calling it significant: ‘Breaches don’t come much bigger than this.’
Kidman highlighted that more than 16 million Australians were part of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, with Finder research indicating 35 per cent of locals actively collect points. While login credentials remained secure, he urged customers to keep watch.
‘My top piece of advice after this incident is to make sure you’re regularly checking your frequent flyer points balance. Since frequent flyer numbers were leaked, scammers may try to use that for bogus rewards bookings or other redemptions,’ he said.
‘Qantas says no passwords were leaked, but I’ll still be checking my own balance regularly over the next few weeks.’
He also reminded customers to stay alert for scams, especially those exploiting the situation with fake emails or messages.
‘Be very cautious with any communications you receive and check the sender details carefully,’ he warned.
‘Don’t click any links—contact Qantas by phone if you do receive a message.’
Despite the breach, Qantas confirmed its flight operations and passenger safety were not impacted. The airline also reassured customers that its systems required two-factor authentication, which would help reduce the likelihood of fraudulent logins.
Hudson said Qantas was collaborating with government bodies and cybersecurity experts: ‘We are working closely with the Federal Government’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and independent specialised cyber security experts.’
Customers who believe they may be affected were directed to a dedicated support line at 1800 971 541.
With scams on the rise after this breach, knowing how to guard your info has never been more important.
Watch the video to learn simple steps that can help keep you safe.
Source: Youtube/FOX 2 St. Louis
With so many of us relying on loyalty programs like Frequent Flyer, how safe do you feel sharing your personal details with big companies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
While Qantas deals with the fallout from this cyber incident, it’s not the only concern the airline has faced lately.
Just days earlier, a mid-air medical emergency involving a Qantas pilot raised fresh questions about passenger safety and preparedness.
If you missed that story, it’s worth a read.
Read more: Emergency crew responds after Qantas pilot falls ill. What happened?
What began as a routine observation of unusual activity quickly unravelled into a large-scale privacy concern.
What followed was a troubling discovery that has left millions of Australians potentially vulnerable.
Cybersecurity concerns reached new heights this week as one of Australia's largest companies found itself at the centre of a data breach potentially affecting millions.
Qantas uncovered a serious cyber incident involving one of its third-party service platforms, with the airline confirming that personal information may have been accessed.
The breach appeared to involve a call centre based offshore—and while the system was said to be ‘contained’, the implications were far from over.
According to Qantas, the issue came to light after ‘unusual activity’ was detected on Monday, prompting an urgent investigation. The affected platform, used for customer servicing, reportedly held records for around six million individuals. The breach did not involve Qantas’ core systems, but what was accessed raised eyebrows.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson addressed the situation directly, stating: ‘We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause.’
She added: ‘Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously.’
Among the data exposed were names, phone numbers, birth dates, email addresses and frequent flyer numbers. However, Qantas clarified that no credit card details, passport numbers or financial information were stored in the affected system.
Hudson confirmed the airline had contacted customers and was offering support.
She continued: ‘We are contacting our customers today and our focus is on providing them with the necessary support.’
The cyberattack originated in the Philippines, where the targeted call centre operates. While frequent flyer accounts were not compromised, the exposure of frequent flyer numbers has led to growing concerns over scams and unauthorised activity.
Finder’s Editor-at-large Angus Kidman weighed in on the breach, calling it significant: ‘Breaches don’t come much bigger than this.’
Kidman highlighted that more than 16 million Australians were part of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, with Finder research indicating 35 per cent of locals actively collect points. While login credentials remained secure, he urged customers to keep watch.
‘My top piece of advice after this incident is to make sure you’re regularly checking your frequent flyer points balance. Since frequent flyer numbers were leaked, scammers may try to use that for bogus rewards bookings or other redemptions,’ he said.
‘Qantas says no passwords were leaked, but I’ll still be checking my own balance regularly over the next few weeks.’
He also reminded customers to stay alert for scams, especially those exploiting the situation with fake emails or messages.
‘Be very cautious with any communications you receive and check the sender details carefully,’ he warned.
‘Don’t click any links—contact Qantas by phone if you do receive a message.’
Despite the breach, Qantas confirmed its flight operations and passenger safety were not impacted. The airline also reassured customers that its systems required two-factor authentication, which would help reduce the likelihood of fraudulent logins.
Hudson said Qantas was collaborating with government bodies and cybersecurity experts: ‘We are working closely with the Federal Government’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and independent specialised cyber security experts.’
Customers who believe they may be affected were directed to a dedicated support line at 1800 971 541.
With scams on the rise after this breach, knowing how to guard your info has never been more important.
Watch the video to learn simple steps that can help keep you safe.
Source: Youtube/FOX 2 St. Louis
With so many of us relying on loyalty programs like Frequent Flyer, how safe do you feel sharing your personal details with big companies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
While Qantas deals with the fallout from this cyber incident, it’s not the only concern the airline has faced lately.
Just days earlier, a mid-air medical emergency involving a Qantas pilot raised fresh questions about passenger safety and preparedness.
If you missed that story, it’s worth a read.
Read more: Emergency crew responds after Qantas pilot falls ill. What happened?
.png){kind=icon}
