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Australian airline Qantas says millions of customers' data leaked online
Qantas revealed a data leak affecting 5.7 million customers due to a major cyberattack linked to Salesforce. Alongside Qantas, firms like Disney, Google, and Toyota faced similar breaches. Sensitive information such as names, contact details, and preferences were compromised, although financial data was secure. The breach highlights rising cyber threats in Australia, marked by other significant attacks across various sectors.
Key points
- Qantas confirmed a data leak affecting 5.7 million customers following a cyberattack in July.
- Data included names, email addresses, phone numbers, and personal preferences, but no financial information was leaked.
- This breach is part of a larger wave of cyberattacks targeting companies using Salesforce technology.
- Cybersecurity experts have linked the hack to a group called Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters.
- Qantas obtained a legal injunction to prevent the dissemination of the stolen data.
- Social engineering tactics were used by the hackers to gain access to sensitive information.
- The FBI warned about similar attacks involving impersonation of IT workers.
Why it matters
- The incident reflects a growing trend of cyberattacks targeting large corporations and critical infrastructure.
- Australia has faced a rise in cyber threats, with notable breaches affecting various sectors, raising public concerns.
- Previous issues included a glitch in Qantas' app and cyberattacks that disrupted major ports in Australia.
- This incident underscores the need for increased cybersecurity measures amid evolving attack methods.
The Qantas data leak is a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of personal data in the digital age, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices across industries.