Data Breach: Hackers steal applicant data from American and Southwest

The US low-cost airline Southwest and American Airlines were recently affected by a data breach. Hackers penetrated a personnel service provider and were able to steal personal information from around 8.000 applicants.

According to official information, passport and social security numbers, names and, if applicable, the number of the pilot's license were affected, among other things. According to the Maine Attorney's Office, 5.745 applicants at American Airlines and 3.009 at Southwest Airlines are said to have been affected. The service provider previously acted as a recruiter for both carriers.

The data breach is said to have occurred on April 30, 2023 and was only discovered on May 3, 2023. The Allied Pilots Association also spoke out, saying at least 2.200 of its members would be affected.