20 December, 2025, 8:50 am Central - 22°C Rain

Former Aussie PM hacked after posting boarding pass on Instagram

Former Aussie PM hacked after posting boarding pass on Instagram

By Semi Turaga
18/09/2020
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. [Image: bbc.com

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had his phone number and passport details obtained by a hacker after posting a picture of his boarding pass on Instagram.

Hacker Alex Hope said he uncovered Abbott's details from his Qantas boarding pass in just 45 minutes.

He then spent months attempting to contact Abbott to alert him of the security breach.

Qantas said it had now updated its cybersecurity protocols.

Abbott posted an image of a boarding pass for his flight from Sydney to Tokyo on 21 March on his Instagram account, thanking the crew.

Hope said he received a message from a friend daring him to hack the former prime minister as they had recently been discussing the dangers of posting your boarding pass online.

The hacker explained in a blog post that he was able to find Abbott's information because his booking reference was printed on the boarding pass.

[Source: BBC]

FEATURE NEWS
Army Commander verbally reprimands Brigadier General Gadai, reaffirms RFMF commitment to democratic processes
The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has reaffirmed the RFMF’s historic decision during the Decem...
21 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Education Ministry stresses location allowance delays due to incomplete school submissions
The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed that the welfare of teachers and staff remains a top priority, particularly for those serving in rural, ...
17 minutes ago

Pending payments for personnels engeged in the 2025 National Examinations is finalized
Pending payments for all personnel engaged in the 2025 National Examinations, including coders, supervisors, and markers for years 8, 12, and 13 is ...
54 minutes ago

Recruits reminded of the importance of accountability and urged to wear their uniforms with pride
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua reminded the Batch 68 recruits during their passout today of the importance of accountability, urging ...
15 hours ago

Jittu Estate set to host Vuvale Fun Day to empower community and youth
Jittu Estate will come alive tomorrow during Vuvale Fun Day, a community event hosted by Inspire Pacific which is designed to unite families and ...
15 hours ago

Govt doesn't interfere in electricity pricing decisions - PM
Following the announcement in the increase in electricity tariff rates from January 1st, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stressed that while ...
15 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States has expressed serious concern about human trafficking indicators linked to the Grace Road Group in Fiji, as highlighted in the 2025 ...
2 days ago

Human trafficking allegations and issues relating to Grace Road Group
Human trafficking allegations and concerns linked to the Grace Road Group/+ARTICLE-311061+ARTICLE/PM says Govt cannot interfere into any human ...
2 days ago

Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
8 days ago

TOP