How Did a Cyberattack Disrupt Check-Ins at Major European Airports?

This article delves into the recent cyberattack that targeted check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, resulting in significant disruptions. This incident highlights vulnerabilities within the aviation industry's security infrastructure, raising questions about the safety of digital systems used across multiple airports. The attack, which was attributed to a service provider's compromised systems rather than individual airlines or airports, underscores the potential risks associated with reliance on third-party platforms in the aviation sector.

Last updated: 19 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The cyberattack affected check-in and boarding systems at multiple European airports.
• Brussels Airport initially reported significant disruptions, while other airports faced more limited impacts.
• Collins Aerospace, the affected service provider, is working to restore full system functionality.
• The attack highlights the vulnerabilities in the aviation industry's reliance on shared digital systems.
• Experts suggest the attack may be more akin to vandalism than extortion.

Understanding the Cyberattack

The cyberattack that occurred late on the night of 19 September targeted the service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems across several European airports, including Brussels, Berlin's Brandenburg, and London's Heathrow. The incident has raised concerns about the security measures in place at these critical infrastructure points.

Brussels Airport disclosed that the attack resulted in a "large impact" on flight schedules, leading to cancellations and delays. Although the disruptions were significant, experts noted that the situation could have been worse, given the scale of the cyber intrusion. The incident was attributed to Collins Aerospace, a firm that provides essential systems for self-service check-in and baggage management.

The Immediate Impact on Airports

In the immediate aftermath of the cyberattack, several airports implemented manual check-in procedures to mitigate the disruptions. Passengers faced long wait times as airlines scrambled to adjust to the compromised systems. For instance, at Heathrow, one passenger reported waiting three hours for baggage check-in due to staffing shortages and manual processing of baggage tags.

Despite the chaos, Heathrow reported that the disruption was "minimal," and no flights were cancelled directly due to the cyberattack. Similarly, Brandenburg Airport stated that, as of late morning, there were no cancellations linked to the incident, but they remained vigilant about potential changes.

The Role of Third-Party Providers

The incident shines a light on the vulnerabilities created by the aviation industry's reliance on third-party service providers. Charlotte Wilson from cybersecurity firm Check Point emphasised that hackers are increasingly targeting the supply chain, exploiting shared digital platforms that serve multiple airlines and airports simultaneously.

This reliance on interconnected systems can lead to a domino effect, where a single compromised vendor causes widespread disruptions across several locations. As airlines and airports continue to adopt technology for efficiency, it is crucial to evaluate the robustness of these systems against cyber threats.

Expert Opinions on the Attack

Travel analyst Paul Charles expressed surprise that a prominent company like Collins Aerospace, known for its resilient systems, could be affected by such a sophisticated cyberattack. He described it as a clever move by attackers, as it disrupted operations across various airlines and airports simultaneously, rather than targeting a single entity.

In terms of responsibility, experts are still investigating the origins of the attack. James Davenport, an information technology professor, suggested that the nature of the attack appeared to align more closely with vandalism than extortion, though further details would be necessary to make a definitive judgement.

What Happens Next?

As the investigation into the cyberattack continues, Collins Aerospace has pledged to restore full functionality of its systems as quickly as possible. The aviation industry must also take this incident as a wake-up call to fortify their cybersecurity measures, particularly regarding third-party vendors.

The incident underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to security in the aviation sector, including regular audits of third-party services and enhanced monitoring of digital systems. As cyber threats evolve, so too must the strategies to combat them.

Historical Context and Recent Trends

This cyberattack comes amid a broader trend of increasing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure worldwide. Over recent years, industries such as healthcare and finance have seen a surge in cyber incidents, with the aviation sector now emerging as a significant target due to its reliance on technology and interconnected systems.

In the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has noted a rise in cyberattacks against various sectors. The aviation industry, with its complex web of operations and reliance on technology, presents a particularly appealing target for cybercriminals. As such, stakeholders must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential vulnerabilities.

Addressing Vulnerabilities in Aviation Cybersecurity

To mitigate the risks highlighted by this incident, several measures can be implemented across the aviation sector:

• Enhanced Vendor Security Assessments: Regular assessments of third-party providers should be conducted to ensure robust security measures are in place.
• Incident Response Planning: Airports and airlines should develop comprehensive incident response plans that can be activated in the event of a cyberattack.
• Staff Training: Continuous training for staff on recognising cybersecurity threats and best practices can help limit exposure to attacks.
• Investment in Cybersecurity Technology: Investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions can help detect and prevent potential intrusions before they escalate.

Conclusion

The recent cyberattack affecting check-in and boarding systems at major European airports serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present within the aviation sector. As the industry increasingly relies on digital systems, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Stakeholders must take decisive action to address these vulnerabilities to safeguard against future attacks. As we move forward, how will the aviation industry adapt to the growing threat landscape? #Cybersecurity #Aviation #DigitalSecurity

FAQs

What caused the recent disruptions at European airports?

The disruptions were caused by a cyberattack targeting the check-in and boarding systems managed by Collins Aerospace, impacting multiple airports across Europe.

Which airports were affected by the cyberattack?

The cyberattack primarily affected Brussels Airport, Berlin's Brandenburg Airport, and London's Heathrow Airport, leading to significant disruptions in check-in processes.

What measures are being taken to resolve the issue?

Collins Aerospace is actively working to restore full functionality to its systems, while airports have implemented manual check-in operations to mitigate delays.

Are passengers’ personal data at risk from this cyberattack?

There is currently no indication that passengers' personal data was compromised in this incident, as the attack focused on operational systems rather than data storage.

What can be done to improve cybersecurity in the aviation industry?

Improving cybersecurity in the aviation industry involves enhancing vendor security assessments, developing incident response plans, and investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies.