Up to 6 million hit by Qantas cyber attack
While the data compromised did not include passport details and financial information, hackers were able to gain access to names, email addresses, frequent flyer numbers and date-of-birth details.
The national carrier was alerted to suspicious activity on Monday after it detected 'unusual activity' on a third party platform used by Qantas airline contact centres.
A statement released by the airline said staff took 'immediate steps' to contain the system breach and stressed there was no impact to the airline's operations or safety.
'We are continuing to investigate the proportion of the data that has been stolen, though we expect it will be significant,' it said. Qantas has confirmed that up to six million customers were impacted in the major cyber attack. NewsWire/ Brenton Edwards Credit: News Corp Australia
'Importantly, credit card details, personal financial information and passport details are not held in this system.
'No frequent flyer accounts were compromised nor have passwords, PIN numbers or log in details been accessed.'
Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson apologised to customers and said the company was 'working closely' with the national cyber security co-ordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and independent specialised cyber security experts.
The Australian Federal Police has also been notified.
'We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause. Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously,' she said.
'We are contacting our customers today and our focus is on providing them with the necessary support.'
The major Qantas cyber attack comes after similar large-scale international hacks targeting Hawaiian Airlines. Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson apologised to customers. NewsWire/ John Appleyard Credit: News Corp Australia
A government spokesman said any customers with concerns should contact Qantas directly and the cyber security co-ordinator was 'working closely' with the airline to provide assistance and advice.
'Qantas says no financial data has been accessed and is in the process of contacting customers,' he said.'The best way for Australians to protect themselves online is to follow three basic rules – keep your software up to date, use strong pass phrases and set up multi-factor authentication.'
The Coalition's cyber security spokeswoman Melissa Price said the major cyber incident was 'concerning'.
'With up to six million customers potentially impacted, this is a nationally significant cyber incident and Qantas needs to maintain open and honest communications,' she said.
'Australians travelling today should be reassured by statements that the safety of Qantas' operations remains unaffected.
'This is a stark reminder for all Australian businesses to take every available step to protect the data of Australians.'
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