Tech

Qantas cyber attack affects six million customers’ data

Qantas reports cyber attack affecting up to six million customers, compromising personal data but not financial details.

Published

2 months ago

July 2, 2025

Ahron Young

Qantas reports cyber attack affecting up to six million customers, compromising personal data but not financial details.

In Short:
Qantas confirmed a cyber attack affecting up to six million customers, compromising personal information like names and email addresses, but not financial details. CEO Vanessa Hudson apologised and reassured that operations remain safe, while urging customers to utilise online security measures.

Qantas has confirmed that up to six million customers have been impacted by a significant cyber attack.

The airline stated that while passport and financial details were not compromised, hackers accessed personal information including names, email addresses, frequent flyer numbers, and dates of birth.

Suspicious activity was detected on Monday concerning a third-party platform utilized by Qantas contact centres. The airline acted immediately to contain the breach, asserting that operations and safety remain untouched.

Qantas specified that credit card information, financial data, and passport details were not stored in the compromised system. No frequent flyer accounts, passwords, or PINs were affected.

Qantas can confirm that a cyber incident has occurred in one of its contact centres impacting customer data. The system is now contained.

We understand this will be concerning for customers. We are currently contacting customers to make them aware of the incident, apologise and provide details on the support available.

The incident occurred when a cyber criminal targeted a call centre and gained access to a third party customer servicing platform.

There is no impact to Qantas’ operations or the safety of the airline.

Chief executive Vanessa Hudson apologised to customers and ensured collaboration with various cybersecurity authorities, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Federal Police.

Hudson acknowledged the anxiety this incident may cause, affirming their commitment to customer data protection. Qantas is in the process of reaching out to affected customers to offer support.

The cyber attack follows similar incidents affecting other airlines, underlining the ongoing risks to travel companies.

A government spokesperson recommended that customers contact Qantas for assistance and suggested basic online security measures such as updating software, using strong passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication.

Tech

Apple unveils thinner iPhone Air to excite upgrades

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2025

Ahron Young

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.

Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.

The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.

This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.

The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.

The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.

Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.

Design Innovations

Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.

However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.

Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.

“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”

Other devices

The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.

Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.

Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.

AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced! pic.twitter.com/EDPNjpoUW8

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 9, 2025

Apple shares down after event concludes

Investors appeared indifferent to Apple’s latest product announcements, including the new iPhone Air model and Apple Series 11 Watch.

As a result, Apple shares fell by approximately 1.5% after the event concluded.

Tech

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite tariff management

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

Published

1 week ago

September 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.

Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.

This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.

Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.

CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.

Pricing Trends

Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.

While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.

Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.

Tech

Google avoids major penalties in U.S. antitrust case

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

Published

1 week ago

September 3, 2025

Ahron Young

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.

U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.

Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.

The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.

This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.

Future Innovations

The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.

Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.

In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.