Cyber-security experts are warning Qantas customers to remain vigilant to scams and hacking attempts after the data of up to six million people was stolen. The airline revealed a hacker gained access to a customer servicing platform and accessed people's names, contact details, birth dates and frequent flyer numbers.
00:00Qantas says a significant amount of data was likely stolen, putting around 6 million Australians at risk of a data breach.
00:11The company says it was first notified of the attack yesterday when it detected unusual activity on a third-party platform used by a Qantas airline contact centre.
00:22An initial review has confirmed that customers' details, including their names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and frequent flyer numbers were accessed.
00:32But the airline and the federal government has assured customers that their personal financial details, credit card and passport information was not breached.
00:42Experts are now warning people to be vigilant and be on guard for unusual and suspicious communications.
00:49We've heard from the National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, about what people should look out for in the aftermath of the hack.
00:58You look out for suspicious actions. You don't take unsolicited emails, texts or calls. You don't respond.
01:06If you think someone is reaching out to you from an official capacity, hang up or don't respond.
01:12Go and source your own number or email to reach out to that person.
01:17You know, I think these criminals are incredibly smart, but so are we.
01:21Qantas has apologised to customers.
01:24They say they're deeply sorry and will continue to investigate and find out the depths of the breach.
01:30They've also notified the Australian Federal Police of the incident.
01:33Qantas's chief executive, Vanessa Hudson, says that she understands that this will have created uncertainty for many customers.
01:41The airline is now in the process of reaching out to customers to notify them if their data has been compromised.
01:48They've set up dedicated support lines and a page on their website where they'll be posting the latest information to keep customers up to date.
