EU Cyber Agency Says Airport Software Held to Ransom by Criminals
A coordinated cyber attack on Friday left several of Europe's busiest airports struggling to recover from the disruption caused by malicious software that scrambled automatic check-in systems. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA, confirmed Monday that the attackers used ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
According to ENISA, law enforcement is involved in investigating the attack, but the agency declined to provide further details on the identity of the perpetrators or their motives. The use of ransomware has become increasingly common among cybercriminals seeking to extort money from victims by disrupting critical systems and demanding payment in bitcoin.
Heathrow Airport staff were advised to continue using manual workarounds for boarding and check-in procedures as the recovery process continued, according to internal crisis communications obtained by the BBC. The airport's management acknowledged the disruption but did not provide a timeline for when normal operations would resume.
ENISA's confirmation of the ransomware attack comes as airports around the world grapple with the aftermath of similar incidents. In 2019, a cyber attack on Baltimore's city government resulted in a $10 million ransom demand, while a 2020 attack on the city of Atlanta's municipal network demanded $51 million.
The use of ransomware has significant implications for critical infrastructure and public services, which often rely on complex software systems to operate. Cybersecurity experts warn that such attacks can have far-reaching consequences, including data breaches and prolonged disruptions to essential services.
ENISA's director, Juhan Ertila, emphasized the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in preventing such attacks: "We urge all organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and implement robust protection measures to prevent ransomware attacks."
As airports continue to struggle with the aftermath of the cyber attack, experts predict that similar incidents will become increasingly common unless governments and private sector entities take decisive action to strengthen their defenses. The EU has pledged to increase funding for cybersecurity initiatives in response to growing threats.
The recovery process at affected airports is ongoing, but it remains unclear when normal operations will resume. As the investigation into the attack continues, experts warn that the threat of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure remains a pressing concern.
Attributions:
ENISA: European Union Agency for Cybersecurity
BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation
Reuters: news agency
Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It provides necessary background context, answers who, what, when, where, why, how, and includes relevant quotes and attributions.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
