Qantas Confirms 5.7 Million Customer Records Stolen in Major Data Breach CEO Addresses Concerns.
Qantas has confirmed that data belonging to approximately 5.7 million of its customers has fallen into criminal hands following a recent data breach. Speaking to The Business, Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson revealed the extensive compromise, which includes a range of personal information for nearly six million customers.
The stolen data encompasses names, email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, tier status within the airline’s loyalty program, and even customers meal preferences. However, Ms. Hudson was quick to reassure the public that more sensitive information such as passwords, PIN numbers, and login details were not included in the data breach. Despite the significant scale of the incident, the CEO expressed confidence in the airline’s current systems, stating they remain secure.
The matter has been promptly handed over to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for a full investigation. Ms. Hudson emphasized that immediate communication with affected customers was her “main priority,” claiming the airline “communicated with six million customers within 24 hours” of discovering the breach.
In a concerning development, Ms. Hudson confirmed that Qantas had been contacted by an individual claiming to be the hacker responsible for the breach. While she refrained from commenting on whether a ransom demand or threat to release the stolen information had been made, she did confirm that, to date, “the stolen information has not been released further.”
The breach has already had tangible consequences for some customers. Dozens have reportedly contacted the ABC, detailing experiences of being targeted by scammers or receiving alerts from online accounts like MyGov in the past week, suggesting the stolen data is being actively exploited. Ms. Hudson acknowledged that Qantas has also received direct outreach from concerned customers, to whom they are providing assistance via phone calls and follow-up information.
However, Qantas has not yet addressed the issue of potential compensation for affected individuals. As the AFP investigation continues, and with the stolen data confirmed to be in criminal hands, Qantas customers are urged to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts and scams. The airline maintains its focus on supporting affected customers and securing its systems, though questions about long-term impacts and potential compensation remain unanswered.
