Qantas Data Hack Exposes Personal Information of Six Million Customers
Australian airline Qantas says a data breach compromised customer information; the company expects the amount stolen to be 'significant.'
SYDNEY — Australian airline Qantas has disclosed that a cyberattack on Monday compromised the personal information of six million customers.
The company stated that it anticipates the quantity of data extracted to be "significant." A third-party customer service platform, utilized by a Qantas contact center, was infiltrated, resulting in exposure of customer records containing names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers.
Nevertheless, this platform does not store customer credit card details, financial information, or passport data.
Upon detection of "unusual activity," Qantas took action to contain the system, asserting that all its systems are now secure and that there is no impact on its operations or safety.
The airline is collaborating with the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Australian Federal Police, and independent cybersecurity experts in the ongoing investigation.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing the company's commitment to safeguarding customer data and providing support to affected individuals.
Despite the breach, Qantas' share price experienced a 3.5% decline during morning trading, against a broader market gain of 0.4%, according to Reuters.
Australia has faced numerous significant cyberattacks in recent years, including incidents targeting political parties, media outlets, and major companies such as Medibank, which suffered a ransomware attack resulting in the theft and release of sensitive customer data.
The company stated that it anticipates the quantity of data extracted to be "significant." A third-party customer service platform, utilized by a Qantas contact center, was infiltrated, resulting in exposure of customer records containing names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers.
Nevertheless, this platform does not store customer credit card details, financial information, or passport data.
Upon detection of "unusual activity," Qantas took action to contain the system, asserting that all its systems are now secure and that there is no impact on its operations or safety.
The airline is collaborating with the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Australian Federal Police, and independent cybersecurity experts in the ongoing investigation.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing the company's commitment to safeguarding customer data and providing support to affected individuals.
Despite the breach, Qantas' share price experienced a 3.5% decline during morning trading, against a broader market gain of 0.4%, according to Reuters.
Australia has faced numerous significant cyberattacks in recent years, including incidents targeting political parties, media outlets, and major companies such as Medibank, which suffered a ransomware attack resulting in the theft and release of sensitive customer data.
