What's Happening?
A ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based aviation technology company, has caused significant disruptions at major European airports, including London Heathrow and Berlin Brandenburg. The attack has forced airlines to switch to manual check-in procedures, leading to long queues and flight cancellations. The hackers have encrypted data on the company's servers and are demanding a ransom, affecting operations across the continent.
Why It's Important?
This cyberattack underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to digital threats, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the aviation industry. The disruptions have significant economic implications, affecting airlines, passengers, and airport operations. It raises concerns about the preparedness of companies to handle such attacks and the potential for similar incidents to occur in the future. The situation may prompt increased investment in cybersecurity and changes in industry practices to mitigate risks.