Qantas recently confirmed a significant cyber incident that exposed the personal details of up to six million customers. The breach originated from a third-party customer service system and is believed to have been carried out by the hacking group known as Scattered Spider.
While no passwords or financial data were accessed, the incident highlights how vulnerable even the most well-resourced organisations can be. For businesses, schools, and not-for-profits, the message is clear: strong cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is essential.
At Step Fwd IT, we believe the best way to support our clients is through understanding. This means helping you recognise where your risks lie and putting the right strategies in place to protect what matters most.
In the Qantas case, the attack came through a vendor system. It wasn’t the core airline infrastructure, but a connected service with access to customer data.
This is a common blind spot. Many organisations rely on cloud-based tools, education platforms, or outsourced providers to operate. These tools may be essential to your workflow, but they also introduce risk if not assessed and secured appropriately.
Our team helps clients identify where their systems intersect with those of third parties and what that means in terms of security and compliance.
The group behind this attack is known for using social engineering techniques. These are methods designed to trick staff into giving up access through seemingly harmless phone calls or emails.
It only takes one misstep to cause a breach. That is why awareness is one of the most powerful forms of defence. We support our clients through education, simulated phishing campaigns, and ongoing guidance to help their teams feel confident and capable when faced with suspicious activity.
High-profile breaches may grab the headlines, but most cyber incidents happen in smaller environments. Attackers often see them as easier targets, especially when they rely on limited in-house IT or lack dedicated security planning.
Whether you are operating a school, growing a business, or delivering community impact, protecting your digital environment should never be an afterthought. Security needs to move with your goals, not stand in the way of them.
Security is not a product. It is a strategy, built on a clear understanding and the right long-term partnership.
At Step Fwd IT, we take a proactive and collaborative approach to security. Our services include:
We work alongside you to ensure your environment is protected, understood, and ready for whatever comes next.
The Qantas breach is a timely reminder. Strong security is not about fear. It is about preparation, clarity, and support.
If you're unsure where to begin or want to strengthen your current position, we're here to help.
Let’s review your risk posture together.
Start with a conversation and move forward with confidence.
