TechFlow reported on September 19 that the operator of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is facing a serious cybersecurity threat. Airport management official Lance Lyttle reported to the U.S. Senate Committee on September 19 that the hacker group Rhysida is now demanding 100 bitcoins (about $6 million) as a ransom in exchange for stolen files after launching a cyber attack on the airport last month.
Lyttle said hackers had published eight stolen documents on the dark web, but did not reveal their contents. The airport decided not to pay the ransom, arguing it was not in the interest of taxpayers. The FBI is currently conducting a criminal investigation. The attack began on August 24, during the busy period before the Labor Day holiday. Although flight operations were not affected, ticketing, check-in and baggage handling systems were disrupted. Small airlines were forced to use paper boarding passes.
Lyttle said the airport appears to have successfully blocked the attack, but some data was encrypted. The airport will contact individuals who may have been affected. It is worth noting that the Rhysida hacker group was also suspected of attacking the system of Columbus, Ohio last month.
