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Qantas Suffers Data Breach Affecting Six Million Customers
Qantas Airways has confirmed that a cyber attack has compromised the personal information of approximately six million customers. The breach occurred due to a cybercriminal targeting a call centre, thereby gaining access to a third-party database.
Details of the Data Breach
The compromised data includes customers’ personal details such as:
- Names
- Birth dates
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Frequent flyer numbers
Importantly, the airline noted that financial details, such as credit card information, personal financial details, and passport information, were not stored in the affected system.
Reactions from Qantas
In response to the breach, Qantas has initiated contact with those impacted and stated that the situation is "contained." They reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the airline’s operations or passenger safety.
Vanessa Hudson, the CEO of Qantas Group, expressed the airline’s sincere apologies and acknowledged the distress this incident could cause for customers. "Our customers trust us with their personal information, and we take that responsibility seriously," Hudson stated. She also emphasised that Qantas is actively cooperating with the Federal Government’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and independent cyber security experts.
Support for Affected Customers
Customers affected by this breach can reach out to Qantas’ dedicated support hotline at 1800 971 541 or +61 2 8028 0534. The airline is providing access to specialised identity protection advice and resources for those impacted.
As a up-to-date reminder, customers are being encouraged to stay vigilant regarding their personal information and consider monitoring their accounts for any unusual activity.
For ongoing updates and news, Qantas customers can follow, like, and engage with Yahoo Finance on various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing risks associated with cyber security and the importance of strong measures to protect sensitive customer data.
