Qantas bolsters its security to protect frequent flyers
Qantas trials new authentication process to help protect frequent flyers and their points.
From redeeming flights and gift cards to shopping at the rewards store, frequent flyer points are a currency in their own right. This is why you should protect your reward points with the same level of security as you would your finances.
Qantas clearly thinks so too with the rollout of its latest security measures for its loyalty members. To help reduce the risk of identity thieves accessing members’ accounts, Qantas is trialling a Second Factor Authentication process to provide frequent flyers with extra security as of 22 February. In other words, members involved in the trial will receive a unique verification code via SMS to log into their Qantas Frequent Flyer account online. If the trial proves successful, Qantas will roll out the additional security measure for all of its members in the coming months.
If it is successful, the unique verification code will join a number of existing security measures in place to help defend frequent flyers’ accounts. Currently, each frequent flyer’s account is secured with its own unique PIN. Plus, if Qantas detects multiple login attempts using incorrect information or unauthorised points activity, your account will be locked. In the event that your account is locked, you’ll be required to answer a series of security questions to regain access.
As well as Qantas’ security systems, there are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your reward points. Unfortunately, while Qantas has security measures in place, there is still the risk of fraudsters using identity theft to access your account. So, just as should with your debit or credit card, regularly monitor your account to ensure there is no suspicious activity and your points haven’t been compromised. If your account has been victim to identity theft and you’ve lost some points, Qantas can reinstate you with the points if you report it and provide them with the necessary information.
You should also regularly change your frequent flyer PIN and avoid using obvious digits such as your birth date or phone number. Also avoid sharing photos of your boarding pass on social media so that you’re not sharing your frequent flyer number online.
These tips might seem obvious or tedious, but it could be the difference between you losing or redeeming your hard-earned points. If you do think your frequent flyer account has been breached, make sure to get in touch with the Qantas customer service team to report the issue as soon as possible.
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