Amidst the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the recent data breach at Qantas, experts are weighing in on the potential consequences for affected customers. The revelation of up to six million customers’ data being compromised has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and raised concerns about passenger privacy.
With consumer law experts suggesting that Qantas could be liable for compensation if they are found to have breached passenger privacy, the stakes are high for the airline. Maurice Blackburn class action lawyer Lizzie O’Shea highlighted the gravity of the situation by stating,
“Qantas is a holder of a very significant amount of consumer information… used for all sorts of purposes, including profiling consumer behavior.”
The breach, suspected to be orchestrated by a criminal cybergang known as Scattered Spider, has not only exposed sensitive customer information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, and frequent flyer numbers but also raised fears of potential ransom demands. Cybersecurity officials are closely monitoring the situation as they assess the risks associated with such a significant data breach.
Dr. Aashish Srivastava from Monash Business School emphasized that under Australian privacy laws, Qantas could face substantial penalties if found responsible for privacy breaches. He explained that remedies could be provided to affected customers by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner in case of proven violations.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of previous data breaches experienced by companies like Optus and Medibank Private in 2022. Following those breaches, Qantas took steps to purge old customer data to enhance its cybersecurity measures. This latest breach underscores the ongoing challenges companies face in safeguarding customer information from malicious cyber threats.
As experts continue to analyze the implications of this breach, cybersecurity specialist Lani Refiti pointed out that negotiations between Qantas’ response team and potential attackers would likely be underway if a ransom demand were made. Refiti highlighted that cybercriminals typically aim to monetize stolen data through various means, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity protocols within organizations.
Despite regulatory efforts such as mandatory ransomware rules introduced in May 2025 aimed at combating cyber threats, uncertainties persist around how attackers may exploit stolen data. Tony Jarvis from cybersecurity firm Darktrace explained that tracking illicit activities on platforms like the dark web presents unique challenges due to closed networks and undisclosed buyers operating beyond public scrutiny.
In light of these developments, it is evident that restoring trust and ensuring data security will remain key priorities for organizations like Qantas moving forward. As investigations unfold and authorities work towards mitigating risks associated with cyber threats, affected customers await further updates on potential compensatory measures while hoping for enhanced safeguards against future breaches.
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