Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports: Implications and Reactions
A cyberattack on September 19 impacted check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, causing delays and cancellations. While airports like Brussels, Berlin’s Brandenburg, and London’s Heathrow experienced disruptions, many others remained unaffected.
Brussels Airport reported that the issue was tied to a service provider, Collins Aerospace, known for its self-service check-in technology. This attack was described as a “cyber-related disruption” affecting their Multi-User System Environment (MUSE) software.
By mid-morning, Brussels Airport had seen nine cancellations and significant delays. However, the situation improved throughout the day, and operations continued manually. As Brussels Airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli highlighted, the full extent of the disruptions was still unclear.
In contrast, Heathrow officials reported minimal effects, with no cancellations attributed to the attack. They encouraged travelers to stay updated on flight statuses but did not specify the number of delayed flights.
Cybersecurity experts believe such attacks are becoming more common as technology integrates deeply into daily operations. According to a 2023 study by Cybersecurity Ventures, ransomware attacks are expected to cost businesses over $265 billion globally by 2031, showing the growing urgency to strengthen cybersecurity in critical infrastructure sectors.
Collins Aerospace, owned by RTX Corp., assured customers they were actively working to restore full functionality. They emphasized that while electronic systems were compromised, manual check-in methods could mitigate disruptions.
Overall, this incident raises concerns about the vulnerabilities in airport systems and the ongoing threat of cyberattacks in our increasingly digital world. Monitoring the situation closely is essential for both airports and travelers as the industry adapts to these new challenges.
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General news, Aerospace and defense industry, Berlin, Europe, London, Eurocopa 2024, Traffic, Axel Schmidt, World news, Business
