Qantas hit by cyber attack

Qantas has hit data turbulence after “a cyber incident”.

Around six million customers of the Australian airline have potentially been affected after the attack occurred in one of its contact centres in Manila, impacting customer data. The dangers of outsourcing to save money. 

“We understand this will be concerning for customers,” the airline said in a media statement. “We are currently contacting customers to make them aware of the incident, apologise and provide details on the support available.”

The incident occurred when a cyber criminal targeted a call centre and gained access to a third party customer servicing platform.

There is no impact to Qantas’ operations or the safety of the airline.

Importantly, credit card details, personal financial information and passport details are not held in this system, Qantas said. No frequent flyer accounts were compromised nor have passwords, PIN numbers or log in details been accessed.

Qantas has notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Given the criminal nature of this incident, the Australian Federal Police has also been notified.

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said: “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.

“We are contacting our customers today and our focus is on providing them with the necessary support.

“We are working closely with the Federal Government’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and independent specialised cyber security experts.”

Bizarrely, Hudson later declined to talk the media. Not a good look. 

Scammers never sleep. The latest ruse to separate you from your money

Throughout 2023 anyone signing on to Facebook was offered the chance to win a free campervan that some kind company was giving away because it had "a few dents".

All they needed was a few of your details.

There was a similar offer to enter a competition to win an eco-friendly tiny home - just a few details needed.

And as we enter 2024 there is a new variation. And, yes, of course it is a scam.

This time Sydney Airport is advising that as it has no storage space for lost luggage it is selling consignment suitcases containing various items and electronics for just $3.

And a whole lot of people have been delighted with the surprise suitcase they have purchased.

Yet another scheme to part fools from their details - and their money.

To order, all you have to is click on the button in the advert and go to the website.

Despite Facebook having been advised about the scam, the fake post and link to the fake website were still there 24 hours ago.

And Sydney Airport was not happy.

“We would urge everyone to stay vigilant to social media scams and only trust information from Sydney Airport’s official verified accounts,” a Sydney Airport spokesman said. 

Oh, and the Korean National Oil Company is sending out emails offering a great financial deal. just for you. 

One rule to remember people. If an offer sounds to good to be true then it probably is. Make being sceptical a new year resolution.

It's a major fail from Optus

I am not a big fan of Optus.

First they have claimed to have mobile telephone coverage in areas in which they don't.

Second, the gave a high-paying job to disgraced former New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Third, they cynically almost doubled the price of an Optus Sports subscription - I opted out.

Now they cannot keep their customers' personal details safe.

Today, Optus still doesn’t know whether hackers who stole the personal data of up to 9.8 million of its users on Wednesday were private criminals or state-sponsored lunatics.

And the telco is also still unsure how many customers have had their personal information - including email addresses, phone numbers and identifying documents - exposed to the hackers.

But in a stage managed media briefing on Friday, Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said she was “angry” about the hack, which has been described as the largest data breach in recent Australian history.

This is the woman who earlier this year, announcing the Berejilkian "coup", said: “Optus has set its vision to become Australia’s most loved everyday brand with lasting customer relationships by redefining what customers should expect from their communication provider through our relentless pursuit of best-in-class service, greater innovation, better value and connectivity for all Australians.”  

But she's angry. Well done Kelly. Maybe get your people to do a better job next time. If you have any customers left.