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Qantas Data Breach: Why It Matters — and How to Protect Yourself from Scams

  • Writer: Jason Riley
    Jason Riley
  • Oct 13
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 15

(Updated 13OCT25)


Australia’s national carrier, Qantas, has become the latest target of cybercriminals, and experts warn that millions of customers could now be at risk of phishing and scam attacks following the release of customer records by the hackers.


According to news.com.au, a hacker group claiming responsibility for the breach threatened to release up to one billion customer records, including information from Qantas, unless their demands were met by 3 PM AEST last Friday. Parts of this data now appear to have surfaced on the dark web.


While Qantas has assured customers that passwords, credit-card details, and passports were not included in the compromised files, the leaked data does include names, phone numbers, emails, birthdates, and frequent-flyer numbers. This data is more than enough to fuel an onslaught of phishing, identity-theft, and scam campaigns.


What’s the Real Danger of the Qantas Data Breach?


This kind of data is gold for cybercriminals. Here’s how it can be used:


  • Phishing emails or texts that look like they’re from Qantas, asking you to “verify your account” or “confirm a refund.”


  • Fake compensation offers, claiming you’re eligible for a payout due to the breach — but asking for your bank details.


  • Scam calls pretending to be from Qantas support, using your real details to sound legitimate.


  • Password reset traps, where victims are sent to look-alike login pages.


  • Dark-web resale, where stolen details are bundled and sold to other criminals for future attacks.


Once personal information is out there, it can’t be taken back — but you can make it harder for scammers to exploit it.


What You Should Do Now


If you’re a Qantas customer (or ever have been), take these steps right away:


  1. Change your Qantas password and make sure it’s not reused on other accounts.


  2. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible — especially for your email and banking apps.


  3. Watch for scam messages — don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders.


  4. Never share personal info (PINs, codes, or bank details) with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.


  5. Check your frequent-flyer activity for unfamiliar changes or transactions.


  6. Ignore “compensation” messages or calls promising refunds or legal payouts.


  7. Stay informed via Qantas’ official updates.


  8. Report scams to ReportCyber (ACSC) if you’ve been targeted.



seniors computer antivirus scam prevented

Even if your data wasn’t exposed, being alert now can protect you from other large-scale breaches that might follow.


A Wider Wake-Up Call


The Qantas data breach is a sharp reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just about tech, it’s about trust. Australia’s leading organisations are being tested, and so are we as individuals. Every leaked record represents a real person and a real opportunity for scammers to exploit our trust.


If you receive an email, call, or message that feels off, take a pause.


Go directly to the source — type qantas.com into your browser instead of clicking links.


Staying calm, cautious, and informed is your best defence.


Stay Smart. Stay Secure.


fake sms texts scam calls fake compensation offers

If you’d like practical help protecting your small business or personal devices, Arafura Consulting & Media can help you set up trusted antivirus protection, anti-

phishing filters, and secure backups.


Contact us today to stay Smart • Secure • Connected.

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