Major European Airport Disruptions Caused by Widespread Ransomware Attack
A important ransomware attack has thrown travel into chaos across several major European airports, impacting check-in and boarding processes. This disruption began Friday night and continues to affect travelers on Monday, with Heathrow in London, Brussels Airport, and Brandenburg in Berlin among those experiencing difficulties. While Cork and Dublin airports in Ireland were also affected, teh impact there was comparatively minor.
What Happened?
The root cause of the problem lies with Collins Aerospace, an external provider of crucial check-in and boarding systems. Hackers specifically targeted the MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) system.This system allows multiple airlines to efficiently share check-in desks and boarding gate positions, eliminating the need for each airline to maintain its own dedicated infrastructure.
Brussels Airport confirmed the attack, stating, “Following a cyberattack on the American company Collins aerospace, the external provider of check-in and boarding systems, there are disruptions to check-in operations at several European airports.”
Ransomware Confirmed – The Scale of the Impact
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has officially confirmed this is a ransomware attack. Consequently, over 100 flights have been delayed or cancelled, and thousands of passengers have been forced to undergo manual processing.
Brussels Airport continues to experience disruptions as of Monday, advising passengers to proactively check their flight status before heading to the airport. You can find the latest updates on their website.
What is Being Done?
Collins Aerospace is working diligently to restore the affected systems at all impacted airports. Law enforcement agencies are also actively involved in the investigation.
A spokesperson for the UK’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) stated, “We are working with Collins Aerospace and affected UK airports, alongside Department for Transport and law enforcement colleagues, to fully understand the impact of an incident.”
Protecting Yourself and Your Organization
This incident underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks. The NCSC is urging all organizations to bolster their security posture.They offer free guidance, services, and tools to help you:
* Improve your overall security.
* Reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.
* Prepare for and respond to potential incidents.
Key Takeaways for Travelers:
* Check your flight status: before traveling, confirm your flight is operating as scheduled.
* Allow extra time: Expect potential delays and longer queues at the airport.
* Stay informed: Monitor updates from your airline and the affected airports.
This attack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. It highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive incident response planning for all organizations, especially those serving the public. You can find more data and resources on the NCSC website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/.
