Qantas Reduces Executive Pay Following Cyberattack

Qantas Group’s latest annual report notes that a cyber incident earlier this year led to a data breach affecting customers, with the breach first detected on 30 June after a third‑party platform used by a contact centre was compromised.

The attackers were linked to ShinyHunters‑affiliated UNC6040, and they obtained names, email addresses and frequent flyer numbers for most affected customers, with some individuals’ addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers exposed, though no payment card numbers, financial information, passport numbers or Qantas account credentials were reported impacted. In response, the board reduced short‑term compensation for the CEO Vanessa Hudson and the executive team by 15%, equating to a $250,000 cut for Hudson.

The breach impacted roughly 5.7 million passengers, a figure cited in reporting on the incident. The airline said management acted promptly to contain the breach and that remuneration consequences would be addressed in the current year, while warning customers of increased scam activity and phishing attempts impersonating Qantas staff. The firm described the cyber incident as a focal point in its 2025 fiscal year narrative, with ongoing protections and a continued emphasis on customer security.