Qantas Airways has announced a serious data breach affecting as many as six million customers. This breach was due to a ransomware attack on a third-party customer service platform. The airline noticed some “unusual activity” on the system, which stores sensitive passenger data, on June 30.
Names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers were among the information that was compromised. What Qantas is doing post-breach. They are working closely with them and contacting them proactively to alert affected customers, let them know what’s happened and provide them instructions on how to protect their personal information.
This incident is emblematic of a broader trend in Australia. Indeed, many prominent public and private organizations have experienced major data breaches this year alone. Infamously, AustralianSuper and Nine Media have both experienced major data leaks in recent months. As a result, 2024 has already become the most damaging year for data breaches in Australia’s history. This frightening trend is the first of its kind since data tracking began in 2018. As recently reported, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will release further, alarming statistics related to this trend. Look for it in March 2025!
Current Australian Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind, focused on the need for higher security standards in the private and public spheres. She emphasized that the threat posed by nefarious actors is not going to go away.
“The trends we are observing suggest the threat of data breaches, especially through the efforts of malicious actors, is unlikely to diminish,” – Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind
In light of the seriousness of the breach, Qantas has pledged that it will not affect any company operations. Additional resources Airline representatives have emphasized their commitment to protecting customer data and immediately acting to improve security measures.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson said she was sorry and added that the breaches might cause distress to customers.
“We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause,” – Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson
The airline’s logo is a highly stylized white kangaroo on a bright red background. For a half century, this livery has stood for the airline’s commitment to quality and care. Unfortunately, this recent incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities that even industry giants like Qantas are exposed to in our rapidly digitising world.