Qantas, one of Australia’s largest airlines, has confirmed a major data breach affecting up to six million customers. Cybercriminals gained unauthorised access to a third-party customer service platform used by a call centre. The airline has said that the system is now contained.
We’re sharing this update to help you understand what happened and how you can protect yourself.
What Happened
On June 30, Qantas detected suspicious activity targeting its third-party customer servicing system. During the breach, attackers accessed sensitive customer information, including:
- Full names
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Dates of birth
- Frequent flyer numbers
Importantly, no credit card details, financial data, or passport information were compromised, as this information was not stored on the affected platform.
What to do if your data has been compromised:
- The airline is emailing affected customers and has set up a dedicated support line at 1800 971 541 (or +61 2 8028 0534 from overseas).
- If you suspect your data has been compromised, call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER1 or 1300 292 371.
- Be careful with emails and phone calls. Scammers often contact people after breaches. Don’t click on links in suspicious emails or give out personal information unless you’re sure who you’re talking to. Contact Qantas by phone if you do receive a message.
- Check your frequent flyer points balance. Since frequent flyers numbers were leaked, scammers may try to use this to claim rewards or other redemptions.
How Can I Keep My Data Safe?
This breach is a timely reminder to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your personal information. Here are some simple ways to boost your online security:
- Use strong, unique passwords – avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Create complex ones using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – add an extra layer of protection by requiring a second step to verify your identity.
- Monitor your accounts – keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements to spot any unusual activity early.
- Update software regularly – make sure your devices and apps are running the latest versions with all security patches applied.
- Be cautious with personal information – think twice before sharing personal details online or with unfamiliar contacts.
- Use security software – tools like Trend Micro Security Suite Pro Plus can help safeguard your identity and data across all your devices.
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