Hackers steal data from millions of airport customers
Manchester Airports Group suffers cyber attack as hackers access data of nearly 9 million users, demanding an undisclosed ransom that was refused.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Three major UK airports hit by a cyber security incident
- Data belonging to around 8.7 million customers accessed
- Manchester Airports Group refuses to pay hacker ransom
- Most compromised data involves airport WiFi email sign-ups
Three prominent airports in the United Kingdom have been struck by a cyber security incident, resulting in unauthorized access to the personal data of nearly nine million individuals by criminal hackers demanding a ransom.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the operator owning Manchester, East Midlands, and London Stansted airports, confirmed that customer contact details, vehicle registrations, and postcodes were obtained by malicious actors over the weekend.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
MAG reported to BBC that the hackers demanded a ransom fee in exchange for returning the stolen data, a demand the group firmly refused to satisfy. The exact financial sum of the ransom was kept undisclosed, while the total number of affected customers reached approximately 8.7 million.
Investigations revealed that the majority of the compromised data was restricted to customer email addresses collected via WiFi registrations within the airport terminals. More detailed information, such as vehicle license plates, stemmed from passengers booking car park spaces, lounge access, and fast-track services.
The cyber attack on Manchester Airports Group highlights how critical transport infrastructure remains a prime target for threat actors due to the vast amounts of consumer data collected through ancillary services like Wi-Fi and parking reservations. The decision to refuse ransom payments and immediately involve regulatory authorities aligns with cybersecurity best practices to deter further extortion attempts.
The company stated it only discovered the breach on Tuesday and swiftly contained the risk to prevent further unauthorized access, subsequently notifying affected individuals and collaborating with specialist advisors and relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner's Office.
"We would like to reassure customers that Manchester Airport Group takes the security of customer information extremely seriously and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused."
Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
Michael Goddard, 71, from Cheshire, and his wife Julie, 68, were among those notified via email after traveling through East Midlands Airport and using Manchester Airport's parking reservation system respectively. MAG confirmed that the identity of the hackers is known, and the Information Commissioner's Office stated it is currently assessing the breach report.
Source: BBC Business
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