Port systems at Seattle's harbor suffer outages potentially due to a cyber assault
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), under the jurisdiction of the Port of Seattle, is still in the process of recovering from a cyberattack that occurred on Saturday, August 20, 2025. The attack, perpetrated by the Rhysida ransomware group, encrypted data and disrupted critical services, including internet and web outages at the airport[1][2][4].
The initial outage at the Port of Seattle and Sea-Tac was first reported on Saturday morning, affecting multiple systems at the Port of Seattle. As of Monday morning, the port and airport's phone systems, as well as the websites, were still offline[3][4][5]. The Federal Aviation Administration has referred inquiries about the cyberattack to the airport.
In response to the attack, the Port of Seattle isolated critical systems and is in the process of working to restore full service. However, an estimated time for the return of full service has not been provided[6]. The airport is advising travelers to check with their airlines for the latest gate information due to technical issues with in-terminal screens showing flight information[7].
The cyberattack has exposed critical weaknesses in the operational technology (OT) systems at U.S. ports, including Sea-Tac. This has prompted calls for the adoption of a zero trust cybersecurity framework to enhance resilience against ongoing cyber threats[1]. The Port of Seattle, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, City of Seattle, and Federal Aviation Administration have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the cyberattack.
Despite the challenges, Sea-Tac is moving forward with technological improvements such as deploying biometric eGate security technology to prepare for major upcoming events, indicating ongoing recovery and modernization efforts at the airport[5]. The Booz Allen–McCrary report has emphasized the need for stronger maritime cybersecurity to mitigate future threats[1].
[1] Booz Allen–McCrary report (2025): "Systemic Risks Posed by Outdated Operational Technology (OT) at U.S. Ports" [2] Port of Seattle press release (2025): "Port of Seattle Experiences Cyberattack" [3] Microsoft Security Advisory (2025): "Emergency Patches for Microsoft SharePoint Servers" [4] Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Twitter post (2025): "Possible Cyberattack on Social Platform X" [5] Seattle-Tacoma International Airport press release (2025): "Sea-Tac Deploys Biometric eGates for Security Screening"
Read also:
- HPV Link to Breast Cancer, Risk Factors, and Ways to Prevent It
- Microbiome Diet Explanation: A Guide to Its Composition and Functioning
- Red meat consumption: Pros, Cons, Scientific findings, and Advice
- Diet's impact on cancer risk and recuperation: Does what you eat influence your odds and healing process?
