'Massive' data attack on BA

A major investigation was under way at the weekend after the theft of customer data affecting up to 380,000 passengers was reported by British Airways from its website and mobile app.

The airline stressed the stolen data did not include travel or passport details but related to personal and financial information entered between 22:58 on 21 August and 21:45 last Wednesday.

BA said on Friday the breach had been “resolved” and the website was now working normally. The police and relevant authorities had been contacted, it added. Further updates would be provided “when appropriate”.

“British Airways is communicating with affected customers and we advise any customers who believe they may have been affected by this incident to contact their banks or credit card providers and follow their recommended advice,” the airline added.

CEO Alex Cruz said: “We are deeply sorry for the disruption that this criminal activity has caused.” Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he added it was a “sophisticated, malicious criminal attack”.

Given previous IT breakdowns at BA, the events are likely to renew questions about the airline’s on-line security. Which? director Alex Neill said: “It is vital the company moves quickly to ensure those affected get clear information about what happened.”

www.britishairways.com

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