This week, a major ransomware attack targeted some of Europe’s busiest airports, causing widespread disruption to check-in and boarding systems, resulting in global travel delays.
Law enforcement has is actively investigating the incident. While the malicious software used has been identified, the individuals or groups responsible have not yet been confirmed.
Heathrow Airport Affected
Heathrow Airport is among the affected airports. Over 1,000 computers were targeted and corrupted after attackers infiltrated Muse, a widely-used check-in and boarding software. Despite efforts to reboot and isolate systems, the hackers remained embedded within the infrastructure.
Collins Aerospace, who have recently been purchased by Safran, confirmed that systems had been compromised, and staff were alerted to ongoing intrusions even after recovery attempts.
On Sunday, Heathrow released a statement apologising to passengers for the delays and confirmed it was working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
600% Increase in Aviation Cyber Attacks
The aviation industry is facing a sharp rise in cyber threats. With statistics showing an increased in over 600% in the last year.* This also aligns with a broader uptick in cyber crime globally, as attackers continue to exploit weaknesses in digital infrastructure.
This latest incident follows a string of high-profile breaches in recent months. Brands such as Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, and luxury fashion houses including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen have also been targeted in recent weeks.
Why Cyber Security Matters More Than Ever
Ransomware is one of the most serious threats facing organisations today. It doesn’t just disrupt operations, it damages reputation, erodes customer trust, and can take months (or longer) to fully recover from.
The reality is: even the most well-protected software can be breached if proper testing routines aren’t followed.
Regular vulnerability scans are an important first step, but they typically only identify obvious risks. Comprehensive penetration testing, conducted annually or biannually, is essential for identifying deeper weaknesses might be missed.
How iSTORM Can Help
We can help you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats by delivering tailored cyber security solutions and rigorous testing services. From internal security audits to advanced penetration testing, we work with you to build your cyber resilience.
Our team of experts understands the tactics attackers use—and how to stop them before they do serious damage.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help secure your systems.
