Budget airline EasyJet announced that hackers managed to steal data from more than nine million customers. The airline said that a "sophisticated source" accessed their system and downloaded email addresses and travel dates along with credit card numbers of 2,200 people.
EasyJet said they are working with authorities in the United Kingdom and is in the process of contacting all the customers impacted by the hack.
"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," EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren said in a statement. "As a result, and on the recommendation of the [UK Information Commissioner's Office (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."
According to the BBC, EasyJet learned about the attack in January but only began notifying customers who had their credit card numbers stolen in April. The airline said there is no evidence the data had been misused.
"There is no evidence that any personal information of any nature has been misused, however, on the recommendation of the ICO, we are communicating with the approximately nine million customers whose travel details were accessed to advise them of protective steps to minimize any risk of potential phishing."
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