Qantas Confirms Hackers Released Stolen Customer Data After Major Cyber Breach
Australia’s flagship carrier faces new scrutiny as cybercriminals publish sensitive information stolen from a third-party system in July.
Qantas Confirms Data Leak
Qantas has confirmed cybercriminals released stolen customer data following a breach of a third-party platform earlier this year. The airline said the attack, first detected in July, affected personal information belonging to millions of customers.
Hackers reportedly published parts of the data online after ransom deadlines passed without payment. Qantas said the exposed data included names, contact details, and frequent flyer information from its loyalty program.
No financial data or passport details have been confirmed as part of the released files so far.
Legal Action and Investigation Ongoing
Qantas has secured an injunction from the New South Wales Supreme Court to prevent the stolen data from spreading. The injunction prohibits anyone from accessing, sharing, or publishing the compromised customer information.
The airline is working closely with cybersecurity experts and government agencies to trace the source of the breach. Qantas confirmed the breach involved a vulnerability within a trusted third-party provider’s system, not its internal servers.
Cybersecurity firms believe the hackers are linked to a global ransomware group targeting aviation.
Customer Support and Safety Measures
Qantas has contacted affected customers directly, advising them to stay alert for suspicious emails or phone calls. The company reassured travellers that flight operations, safety systems, and booking platforms remain fully secure and unaffected.
Additional cybersecurity layers have been implemented across all systems to prevent future incidents. Qantas apologised for the breach, saying customer trust and data protection remain top priorities.
Experts say this incident underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks across the global aviation and travel sectors.
Industry-Wide Wake Up Call
The Qantas breach has prompted renewed calls for tighter cybersecurity standards across airlines and travel partners. Airlines increasingly rely on digital systems and external vendors, making third-party vulnerabilities a major security risk.
Qantas said it will continue updating customers and strengthening defences as investigations progress. This incident serves as a reminder that cybersecurity resilience is now essential for every corner of the aviation industry.