Ransomware Attack Disrupts Airports - EU Cyber Agency Confirms

European Airport Disruptions Linked to Ransomware Attack

Disruptions impacting airports throughout Europe, initially observed over the weekend, have been attributed to a ransomware incident. This assessment comes from the European Union’s cybersecurity agency, ENISA, as stated on Monday.

ENISA confirmed awareness of the ongoing operational difficulties at airports. These difficulties stem from a ransomware attack perpetrated by a third party. Further details concerning the nature of the cyberattack are currently unavailable for public release, as indicated in a statement provided to TechCrunch.

Targeted Infrastructure: Collins Aerospace

The cyberattack specifically targeted Collins Aerospace, a provider of crucial airport systems. These systems include check-in infrastructure utilized by numerous airports, such as those in Berlin, Brussels, and London Heathrow.

Collins Aerospace is actively collaborating with the impacted airports to facilitate the restoration of normal services. This information was initially reported by Reuters, which also relayed ENISA’s statement.

MUSE System Compromised

Reports from The Guardian on Saturday indicated that the compromised software was Collins Aerospace’s MUSE passenger processing system. MUSE enables airlines to efficiently share check-in desks and boarding gate resources.

This shared infrastructure approach, as detailed on Collins Aerospace’s website, reduces the need for each airline to maintain its own dedicated facilities at an airport.

A request for comment directed to Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of defense contractor RTX, has not yet received a response. The identity of the actors responsible for the cyberattack remains undetermined at this time.

Widespread Travel Impacts

The cyberattack has resulted in significant disruptions to check-in procedures. Consequently, passengers have experienced both flight delays and cancellations since Friday evening.

These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of critical airport infrastructure to cybersecurity threats and the potential for widespread travel impacts.