Cyberattack Delays Flights at Several of Europe's Major Airports - Slashdot

Cyberattack Disrupts Flights at Several European Airports A coordinated cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems caused significant disruptions to air traffic on Saturday, affecting several major airports across Europe. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in security systems, according to experts. The attack, which was attributed to a provider of check-in and boarding systems, Collins Aerospace, affected Brussels Airport, Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, and London's Heathrow Airport, among others. The disruptions meant that manual check-in and boarding procedures had to be implemented, causing delays and cancellations. "We experienced a large impact on our flight schedules," said a spokesperson for Brussels Airport in an interview with broadcaster VTM. "By mid-morning, nine flights had been canceled, four more were redirected to another airport, and one was delayed." The attack centered around Collins Aerospace's MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software, which is used by passengers to check themselves in, print boarding passes, and dispatch their luggage from a kiosk. The company cited a "cyber-related disruption" to its systems at select airports. While the impact on travelers appeared to be limited, experts warned that the incident highlighted the need for improved cybersecurity measures in the aviation industry. "This attack exposed vulnerabilities in security systems that could have been prevented with better safeguards," said an expert who wished to remain anonymous. The affected airports were forced to implement manual check-in and boarding procedures, which caused significant delays and cancellations. However, many other European airports reported no disruptions, suggesting that their systems were not compromised. Collins Aerospace has since issued a statement apologizing for the disruption and assuring passengers that it is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The company's MUSE software is used by several major airlines, raising concerns about the potential for further disruptions in the future. As the aviation industry continues to rely on technology to manage air traffic, experts warn that cybersecurity threats will only increase in frequency and severity. "This attack serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust safeguards," said the expert. The incident has sparked an investigation into the cause of the cyberattack, with authorities working to determine the source and scope of the disruption. In the meantime, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules and any necessary travel arrangements. Background: Collins Aerospace's MUSE software is a widely used system in the aviation industry, providing passengers with a seamless check-in experience. However, the incident highlights the potential risks associated with relying on technology to manage air traffic. The attack has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure systems to cyber threats. Experts warn that the incident could have been prevented with better safeguards and cybersecurity measures. Implications: The cyberattack has significant implications for the aviation industry, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures. The incident also raises concerns about the potential for further disruptions in the future. Real-world applications: The incident highlights the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity measures to prevent similar attacks in the future. It also underscores the need for better safeguards and protocols to protect critical infrastructure systems. Current status: The investigation into the cause of the cyberattack is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the source and scope of the disruption. Collins Aerospace has issued a statement apologizing for the disruption and assuring passengers that it is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Next developments: As the aviation industry continues to rely on technology to manage air traffic, experts warn that cybersecurity threats will only increase in frequency and severity. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust safeguards. *Reporting by Tech.*