Quest tells customers to replace passports after security breach

Quest Apartment Hotels has issued a warning to customers to reissue their passports and replace their driver's licences following a data breach that exposed additional personal information. The company initially reported in August that personal data had leaked, but the extent was not disclosed. Upon further investigation, Quest found that passports, driver's licences, credit card numbers, CVV numbers, and other personal information were leaked.

Customers have been advised to contact their local road authority for a replacement licence and the Australian Passport Office for passport reissuance. Steven Cooper, a victim of multiple data breaches, expressed frustration at being affected by Quest's breach alongside Origin, Optus, and Medibank leaks. Another customer, who wished to remain anonymous, had to cancel multiple credit cards and reissue their licence after learning their information was compromised.

The waiting times for reissuing a licence or passport can be up to 14 days and six weeks, respectively. Lizzy, who had her information exposed from six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed confusion at Quest still having her credit card details on file even though she never stayed at the apartments. David Mansfield, managing director for Australasia at The Ascott Limited, acknowledged the concern caused by the incident and apologized to affected customers. Quest confirmed that 1,991,613 customers were impacted by the breach.