Cathay Pacific airlines shares plunge after data leak revelation

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific airlines shares fell sharply today after the company revealed data of about 9.4 million passengers had been accessed without authorisation.

The company had said on Wednesday that it had discovered "suspicious activity" in March and launched an investigation in May which revealed that personal data had been breached.

Shares of Cathay Pacific plunged 6.5 per cent on Thursday morning sinking to HK$ 9.93.

The data breach information reportedly included passport numbers, identity card numbers, email addresses and credit card details. 

"We are in the process of contacting affected passengers, using multiple communications channels, and providing them with information on steps they can take to protect themselves," Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg had said in a statement while revealing the data fraud.

"We have no evidence that any personal data has been misused," Hogg added.

"The following personal data was accessed: passenger name, nationality, date of birth, phone number, email, address, passport number, identity card number, frequent flyer programme membership number, customer service remarks, and historical travel information," he informed. 

CEO Hogg also said 403 expired credit card numbers and 27 credit card numbers with no CVV were also accessed.