A Man Arrested in Connection with Cyber-Attack on Airports, Investigation Ongoing
A person has been arrested in connection with a cyber-attack that caused days of disruption at several European airports, including Heathrow, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). The arrest was made in West Sussex as part of an investigation into a cyber incident impacting Collins Aerospace.
The cyber-attack resulted in hundreds of flight delays after Collins Aerospace's baggage and check-in software used by several airlines failed. Some passengers were forced to use pen and paper for boarding, adding to the chaos caused by the disruption.
According to the NCA, the arrested individual is a man in his forties. While this arrest marks a positive step in the investigation, officials emphasize that it remains in its early stages and continues to be ongoing. "Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing," said an NCA spokesperson.
Collins Aerospace's software failure has had far-reaching consequences for airlines operating at affected airports. The disruption has caused significant delays and cancellations, with many passengers facing long waits to board their flights. The exact nature of the cyber-attack and how it was carried out remain unclear, but experts say that such incidents are becoming increasingly common.
"Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for businesses and organizations around the world," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Cambridge. "These types of attacks can have devastating consequences, not just for the companies affected but also for their customers and stakeholders."
The investigation into the cyber-attack is being led by the NCA in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and Collins Aerospace itself. As the investigation continues, officials are urging airlines and passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
In a statement, Heathrow Airport said it was working closely with authorities to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. "We understand that this disruption has caused significant inconvenience for our passengers, and we apologize for the delays and cancellations," the airport said.
The arrested individual is currently being held in custody while the investigation continues. As the situation unfolds, officials are urging patience from airlines, passengers, and stakeholders affected by the cyber-attack.
In related news, Collins Aerospace has issued a statement confirming that it was working with authorities to investigate the incident. "We take cybersecurity very seriously and are cooperating fully with the investigation," said a spokesperson for the company.
The NCA has not released further details about the arrested individual or the nature of the cyber-attack. As the investigation continues, officials will provide updates as necessary.
This story is developing, and we will continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
