When you make a purchase through the links provided in our articles, both Future and its syndication partners stand to earn a commission. Recently, Japan Airlines found itself grappling with a significant network disruption that stemmed from a cyberattack initiated by an unidentified threat actor. This attack, which persisted for a few hours, resulted in delays impacting some flights within the airline’s operations.
Japan Airlines has officially acknowledged falling victim to a cyberattack that led to widespread system disruption and caused delays for over 20 domestic flights. The airline’s awareness of the situation was first sparked when a segment of the network linking internal and external systems began to malfunction. Following a brief investigation, it was determined that a threat actor had attempted to overwhelm the network by transmitting an excessive amount of data—a tactic reminiscent of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.
In contemporary times, DDoS attacks often serve as distractions, enabling attackers to execute the deployment of malware or ransomware elsewhere within the network. Alternatively, criminals may directly contact their victims, sometimes resorting to phone calls, to demand a ransom in exchange for halting the DDoS attack.
Despite the cyber assault, Japan Airlines has clarified that no malware was deployed, and no data theft occurred. The only tangible impact was the delay of 24 domestic flights by approximately thirty minutes. As a precautionary measure, the company temporarily suspended ticket sales for both domestic and international flights. Notably, flight safety remained unaffected by the incident.
Reports from the Associated Press (AP) indicate that Japan’s Ministry of Transport urged Japan Airlines to expedite the restoration of its systems to accommodate affected passengers promptly. Notably, other national airlines like All Nippon Airways, Skymark, and Starflyer remained unaffected by the cyber incident.
As of now, no threat actors have claimed responsibility for the attack, leaving their motives undisclosed. The holiday season tends to witness a surge in cybercriminal activities targeting critical infrastructure firms. This period, characterized by increased traffic and reduced staffing due to annual leave, presents an opportune time for ransom demands.
In January 2024, AerCap, one of the globe’s most prominent aircraft leasing companies, fell victim to a ransomware attack that resulted in the theft of sensitive corporate data. Similarly, in March of the same year, Air Europa encountered a comparable cybersecurity breach.
In a separate development, Adobe has issued an emergency patch to address a vulnerability in ColdFusion. This move aims to fortify the software against potential cyber threats. Furthermore, a comprehensive list of the best antivirus tools currently available can aid in bolstering cybersecurity defenses. Similarly, the top endpoint protection tools serve as essential safeguards in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
Stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your digital infrastructure against evolving cyber risks to ensure the continuity and security of your operations.
