Ransomware Attacks Could Be Behind Your Next Flight Delay

Flight delays can occur for several reasons, including weather issues, runway congestion, or a need to inspect or repair a part of the plane to ensure its safety.

Sometimes you’ll be compensated for your delayed or cancelled flight, but not always, and that’s frustrating when sometimes you don’t know HOW long you’ll be delayed (I was once stuck in the JFK Airport for hours when the airline’s entire system went down and I had school the next morning — not fun). If you’re flying soon and find your flight is delayed, but the weather is fine and it looks like there’s no reason for the delay, it turns out, it could be due to a ransomware attack.

According to Reuters, the EU’s cybersecurity agency has confirmed that the numerous automated check-in system issues over the past few days were due to a ransomware attack. Hackers knocked out automated check-in systems provided by Collins Aerospace, owned by RTX, which have affected dozens of flights and thousands of passengers since Friday.

While they didn’t reveal the origin of the ransomware attack, the ENISA agency stated in a press release that law enforcement is involved in investigating malicious software that locks up data until the victim pays to have access restored. Rafe Pilling, director of threat intelligence at British cybersecurity firm Sophos, has said that, “Disruptive attacks are becoming more visible in Europe, but visibility doesn’t necessarily equal frequency.”

Some airports, including Brussels and London Heathrow, have not yet been able to get their systems back online, but they’re both in the final stages of regaining full functionality. However, Berlin airport did not have its check-in systems restored by the time Monday hit, and reported delays of over an hour for departures. Brussels Airport was using iPads and laptops to check passengers in online, and many people reported it was like the early days of air travel.

Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest travel news to help you plan your next vacation!

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