Air France and KLM are facing scrutiny after confirming a second major customer data breach in just over two years. This breach has left cyber-security experts wondering – is this latest failure a sign on deep systemic issues at the airlines?
Why repeat data breaches are a red flag
A single breach can happen to any organisation (usually due to unaddressed security issues). But when a company is breached more than once in a short period — especially involving similar types of data — it can point to even bigger problems, including:
- Unresolved vulnerabilities from previous incidents
- Weak vendor oversight if third-party systems are involved
- Lack of investment in ongoing cybersecurity improvements
- Failure to adopt best-practice protections, such as multi-factor authentication.
What UK travellers should know
Under UK GDPR, companies that process the data of UK residents must take “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to keep that data safe. A second breach can indicate that lessons from the first were not fully acted upon — something regulators take seriously.
For passengers, this means:
- Greater risk of personal data being exposed again
- Higher potential for targeted phishing, since scammers may already hold partial details from previous breaches
- The possibility of joining a group action claim if poor security measures are to blame.
How to protect yourself after a repeat data breach
Whether it’s a leaked email address, stolen passwords, or worse, a data breach can leave you exposed to scams, ID fraud, and credit damage. But there are some steps you can take to protect yourself following the Air France- KLM data breach.
For example:
- Don’t recycle passwords — especially across travel, email, and banking accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible
- Check your loyalty account regularly for unusual transactions.
Our handy guide shows you what else to check, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take right now to stay one step ahead.
Can you claim compensation for the Air France- KLM data breach?
A second major breach in two years sends a strong signal that vendor security and internal processes may not be keeping pace with cyber threats. If you’ve been affected by one or both of the Air France–KLM breaches, you may have the right to claim compensation.
Think you might be affected? Use our quick checker to find out if you could join an Air France- KLM data breach claim. If you’re potentially eligible, register to get key updates – and we’ll let you know more.
