If you’re a Qantas customer caught up in the recent data breach, cybersecurity and tech expert Vidit Sehgal said the threat to the safety and financial wellbeing of businesses and consumers at home may already be far worse than people realise.

Sehgal, founder and CEO of V4 IT Services, Australia’s leading onsite IT and tech services company for homes and businesses, warned that cybercriminals are no longer relying on traditional hacking methods.

They are now using artificial intelligence including AI-generated voice clones to bypass identity checks, access your personal accounts and even change the bank account into which your money is paid.

“This is the new frontier of cybercrime,” Sehgal said.

“Hackers can now call your bank, sound like you, quote your stolen personal information and request to update your account details. They can reroute your wages, divert refunds or redirect invoice payments, all while you have no idea it’s happening.

“With the information hackers have been able to access through Qantas they can now build an elaborate profile of your life, who you are and how to access other information.

“This isn’t just a risk for customers, it is a risk for businesses as well.” he said.

AI voice cloning is turning data leaks into full-blown identity takeovers

Following a major breach like Qantas, criminals access contact information, account numbers, emails and personal identifiers. They then use AI tools to call you, clone your voice, simulate phone calls and manipulate customer service systems.

“It’s not science fiction anymore, it’s real,” Sehgal said.

“They don’t need to steal your money with a hack. They trick institutions into giving it to them.”

Why you must regularly check your accounts and contact details

Sehgal is now urging all Australians including businesses, especially those affected by recent data leaks, to log into every major account and regularly monitor all details.

This includes:

• Reviewing your bank and super accounts weekly
  
  
• Verifying that your mobile number, email and residential address haven’t been changed
  
  
• Confirming that payment instructions including the bank account where funds are deposited are correct and still yours
  
  
• Ensuring no unauthorised users or new devices have been added

“Hackers lie in wait and strike when you’re distracted. You must build the habit of checking your accounts, because once money is sent to a fake account, it’s usually unrecoverable,” Sehgal said.

Watch for the hidden signs of a home or business system breach

Many victims never realise they’ve been compromised until the damage is done. Sehgal said there are early warning signs, including a sudden slowdown of your computer, system crashes or antivirus software mysteriously switching off. Other serious red flags include:

• Password reset requests you didn’t make
• Emails or messages being sent from your accounts
• Webcam lights flicking on without input
• Your mouse cursor moving without you touching it

“These are signs a hacker may already be inside your system, watching and waiting,” Sehgal warned.

Home users are the softest targets and hackers know it

Hackers are now targeting households more than businesses because home networks are easier to penetrate. Outdated antivirus software, weak Wi-Fi passwords and shared devices create the perfect environment for long-term digital surveillance.

“They can access everything, your work documents, your tax file number, your child’s school login and use it against you,” Sehgal said.

The threat doesn’t shortly after the hacking incident, it could last for years

Information stolen during a breach may not be used immediately. Hackers often store and sell your data on the dark web, where it can resurface in months or even years.

“A stolen password is easy to change but stolen identity data including name, date of birth, address history, voice recordings is information that can be used again and again,” Sehgal said.

How to protect yourself right now

Sehgal recommends the following critical actions:

Manually review every account

Log in to all essential services including your bank, telco, utilities, MyGov, superannuation and insurance. Carefully inspect your contact details, payment information, linked devices and recent activity. If anything looks unfamiliar or has been changed, act immediately.

Enable two-factor authentication

Use two-factor authentication on all services, including email, cloud storage and financial platforms. This provides a second layer of protection that AI impersonators cannot easily bypass.

Don’t trust unsolicited calls or messages

Be extremely cautious of phone calls, texts or emails asking for account updates or offering refunds. Even if they appear to be from legitimate organisations, contact the company directly through official channels.

“Ideally, don’t answer calls from numbers you do not recognise. Ensure everyone is listed in your phone so that you only answer calls you are familiar with,” Sehgal said.

Secure all devices with updated antivirus software

Make sure every device in your household or your business, from smartphones to laptops, is protected by trusted security software and receives regular updates.

Book a complete onsite computer health check

Don’t assume you’re safe just because everything looks normal. An onsite IT expert can identify hidden threats, secure your system and protect your digital ecosystem including modems, routers, and peripheral devices.

“If you’ve been affected by the Qantas hack or any other major data breach, don’t wait for something to go wrong. Take control now. Everyone needs to take more care and be more proactive. The risks are too great no to,” Sehgal said.

Sehgal says the best way to protect yourself against these issues is to be vigilant and book an IT audit regularly.

“Avoid taking your computers out of the home or business if possible. This just introduces another layer of risk,”

“Call a good company like V4 IT and get us to come around and undertake an audit and put in place additional measures on site. We carry all the tools and equipment with us so if anything needs to be done, we can do this on site,” he said.

About V4 IT

V4 IT, headquartered in Melbourne, is a leading provider of home and business IT support services in Australia. Since its inception in May 2022, V4 IT has rapidly expanded its footprint, now covering over 1,500 postcodes across the country.

The company’s mission is to become Australia’s most trusted home IT service provider by delivering reliable and efficient online and onsite support to a growing customer base.

V4 IT specialises in:

• Home and business IT support: Comprehensive solutions tailored to meet individual and small business needs.
  
  
• Online and onsite support services: Flexible service delivery, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
  
  
• Nationwide coverage: Over 100 expert technicians providing assistance across more than 1,500 postcodes.