Maurice Blackburn Lawyers lodge complaint on behalf of Qantas customers after data breach

Qantas’ data breach impacting almost six million of its customers is being investigated by a leading Aussie law firm. See if you’re eligible to register.

Qantas’ massive data breach impacting almost six million of its customers is being probed by one of Australia’s leading law firms.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers have lodged a complaint with the Office of the Australian Commissioner (OAIC) on behalf of those impacted by the massive data theft, claiming it has failed to protect their privacy.

Qantas, on July 11, informed its customers that on June 30 it detected “unusual activity on a third-party customer servicing platform used by a Qantas Airline contact centre and identified that a cyber criminal had gained access to data on this system.”

The exposed data included details such as a customer’s name, address, date of birth, email address, phone number, tier, points balance, status credits, gender, meal preference and Qantas Frequent Flyer number.

The Maurice Blackburn Lawyers complaint alleges Qantas failed to take reasonable steps to protect its customers’ personal information.

Qantas’ cyber attack has impacted six million customers.

Its complaint seeks a formal investigation by OAIC into Qantas data handling practices, a determination on whether the company breached its obligations under the Privacy Act and calls for recommendations on “systemic improvements” to prevent future breaches.

It also has asked OAIC to report on new laws for “compensation pathways” for affected individuals who have their personal data breached.

Maurice Blackburn principal, Elizabeth O’Shea. Picture: Supplied

Maurice Blackburn Principal lawyer Elizabeth O’Shea has urged Qantas customers to join its action by registering with the law firm to receive updates about its progress.

“It is early days in what we are learning about the mass data breach, but if you’re one of the millions of people that have had your personal information compromised, you’re eligible to register with us and we will keep you informed as the matter progresses,” Ms O’Shea said.

Ms O’Shea said the action would be seeking compensation for Qantas customers impacted by the data breach.

Qantas has urged impacted customers to be vigilant against potential scams.

Originally published as Maurice Blackburn Lawyers lodge complaint on behalf of Qantas customers after data breach