Daniel Croft

The international IT shutdown in July 2024 — dubbed the world’s biggest ever — was caused by a bungled software update issued by the cyber security provider.

The third-party employees were working for India SATS – the Flying Kangaroo’s ground handler in India – and used their positions to steal frequent flyer points from customers.

The Qantas data breach, which occurred last Wednesday, 1 May, saw some customers using the airline’s app surprised to see the booking details of other customers, alongside the ability to change seats, cancel flights, and even book new flights.

Several Qantas customers have reported being able to access other customers’ account information, point score, status tier, travel destination and even boarding passes. In addition, customers could reportedly change other people’s seats, cancel their flight altogether or book an entire new flight under their name.

Frank Kendall said there would also be a pilot in the cockpit alongside him, but “hopefully” neither would be required to take control of the specially adapted aircraft.

Air Vice-Marshal Darren Goldie, a former Hercules pilot, will move from being Air Commander to the nation’s first cyber security coordinator.