What the Qantas Cyber Attack Could Mean for Your Personal Data
A data breach involving one of Australia's largest airlines has left millions of customers worried about their personal data. Cybersecurity experts are warning affected Qantas customers to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from scams and hacking attempts.
The Scope of the Breach
Qantas has confirmed that a cybercriminal targeted its call centre, gaining access to a third-party customer servicing platform. The airline has revealed that up to 6 million customers' records were stolen, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer numbers.
The Data Stolen
The data stolen from Qantas includes:
- Some customers' names and email addresses
- Phone numbers and birth dates
- Frequent flyer numbers
- No credit card details, personal financial information, or passport details were held in the system.
The stolen records are believed to have been accessed through a third-party customer servicing platform. Qantas has assured customers that it will contact all affected individuals and provide further communication on how to protect themselves.
Risk of Impersonation Scams
Cybersecurity experts warn that personal data can be used to impersonate companies or agencies, making it easier for scammers to target victims. Tony Jarvis, the chief information security officer at cybersecurity firm Darktrace, notes that stolen data can have different values on the dark web, depending on its nature.
Protecting Yourself
The experts recommend taking the following steps to protect your data:
- Change your passwords and make them as secure as possible.
- Monitor your credit card and bank transactions closely for any suspicious activity.
- Avoid clicking on links in emails purporting to be from Qantas, as companies that have experienced cyber attacks are often impersonated in their wake.
- Consider two-factor authentication for added security.
Frequent Flyer Numbers at Risk
Qantas has listed frequent flyer numbers as among the data compromised, but assures customers that no frequent flyer accounts were affected. However, cybersecurity expert Richard Buckland warns that loyalty balances could be targeted in subsequent hacking attempts, given membership numbers are among the data breached.
What to Do
If you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, check your account regularly for any unusual activity and consider resetting your password. If you use the same email address across multiple online profiles, stolen information could be used to try and gain access to other accounts and financial records.
Conclusion
The Qantas cyber attack is a reminder of the importance of protecting personal data in today's digital age. By taking steps to secure your passwords, monitoring credit card transactions, and being cautious of impersonation scams, you can help protect yourself from potential harm. Stay vigilant and stay safe.