Aeroflot Hit by Major Cyberattack, Over 100 Flights Cancelled
Aeroflot, Russia's flagship airline, has experienced a substantial cybersecurity breach that crippled its IT systems and disrupted operations. The attack, claimed by pro-Ukraine hacktivist groups Silent Crow and the Belarusian Cyber Partisans, has led to widespread flight cancellations and sent a stark warning about outdated cybersecurity measures and weak defenses.
The cybersecurity incident, which occurred earlier today, targeted Aeroflot's data systems, making its website inaccessible and impacting the operations of its subsidiaries, Rossiya and Pobeda. The incident also resulted in the disruption of some international flights, with over 100 cancellations reported.
The hacktivist groups, Silent Crow and the Belarusian Cyber Partisans, claimed responsibility for the attack. They stated that they had infiltrated Aeroflot's network over a year ago, stealing a vast amount of sensitive data including customer data, internal files, call recordings, and surveillance footage. The groups also claimed to have destroyed infrastructure and servers during the attack. Yuliana Shametavets, coordinator of the Belarus Cyber-Partisans, described the attack as one of the most impactful in terms of consequences.
The attack is the result of a year-long operation that exploited human error through social engineering, rather than technical vulnerabilities. The groups warned that they plan to release the personal data of all Russians who have ever flown with Aeroflot, sending a clear message that no critical infrastructure is safe with outdated cybersecurity measures and weak defenses.
The cybersecurity attack on Aeroflot underscores the growing threat posed by hacktivist groups to critical infrastructure. With over 100 flights cancelled and sensitive data compromised, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. As investigations continue, the airline and its subsidiaries are working to restore normal operations and reassure customers about their data security.
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