EasyJet Airbus A320
Taken by Eoin Reynolds @eoin.17 on IG
Today, British low-cost carrier EasyJet has revealed that data from nine million of their customers has been compromised by ‘highly sophisticated’ cyberhackers. This cyberattack means that the addresses and travel details of nine million people has been leaked. According to the Guardian, 2,208 people had their credit card details stolen. In response to this cyber attack, the airline said they will contact affected customers directly within the next few days to provide advice on the incident regarding protective measures to minimise the risk of phishing. The airline has also stated that there has been no evidence that any personal information has been misused in any way.
Chief executive Johan Lundgren said in a statement to the Guardian that: “We would like to apologise to those customers who have been affected by this incident. Since we became aware of the incident, it has become clear that owing to Covid-19 there is heightened concern about personal data being used for online scams. As a result, and on the recommendation of the ICO, we are contacting those customers whose travel information was accessed and we are advising them to be extra vigilant, particularly if they receive unsolicited communications.”
The airline is now working with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and National Cyber Security Centre. They have also closed off their unauthorised access. EasyJet has spoken out about the incident saying: “We are advising customers to continue to be alert as they would normally be, especially should they receive any unsolicited communications. We also advise customers to be cautious of any communications purporting to come from EasyJet or EasyJet Holidays.”
With the Coronavirus pandemic, the airline has been struggling financially. Ontop of this, internal issues with threats coming from the founder and one of the major shareholders, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou due to their Airbus order is still present. This issue is that the founder wants to complete disregard of their entire order. He has even offered a £5 million bounty to anyone who is willing to help him with the cancellation of these orders. On Friday, there will be a meeting held to allow a vote regarding some of the founder’s propositions. Some of these proposals are to oust the the chief executive and finance boss along with the chairman.
It is a very bad time for the airline but it is important that they protect the safety of their customers and their personal data.
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