WestJet says some passengers’ personal information stolen in cyberattack
WestJet Cyberattack Exposes Personal Data
WestJet recently disclosed that personal data, including information related to travel documents, was stolen in a cyberattack earlier this year. However, the airline reassured customers that credit and debit card numbers as well as user passwords were not compromised.
Variety of Personal Information
According to a note sent to customers, the stolen personal information varies from individual to individual but may include name, date of birth, email address, mailing address, phone number, gender, and recent travel booking history, such as travel booking numbers.
The stolen data may also encompass details about the travel documents used by passengers when flying with WestJet, such as passports or other government-issued identification documents. Additionally, other information like WestJet Rewards ID numbers, points balances, and membership information may have been accessed.
Identity Theft and Fraud Concerns
WestJet cautioned that the stolen information could potentially be used for identity theft or fraud. To address this issue, the airline is providing affected customers with identity theft and credit monitoring services at no cost for 24 months in collaboration with TransUnion Canada. This includes up to $1,000,000 of expense reimbursement insurance in case of fraud.
Customers are advised to verify the legitimacy of any correspondence they receive in light of the data breach. Additional information on protecting oneself can be found on WestJet’s website.
Prompt Response and Investigation
After detecting suspicious activity on its systems on June 13, WestJet took immediate action to address the situation. The airline confirmed that criminals had gained temporary access to some of its systems but assured customers that the incident has been resolved.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has initiated an investigation into the cyberattack, and WestJet has also notified law enforcement authorities.
