Cyber attackers are focusing their efforts on U.S. airlines since the FBI released a warning on Friday regarding this issue. notorious cybercriminal group.
So far, at minimum two American carriers have done so. been affected by cyberattacks , although the specifics regarding the consequences of the events were unclear.
Recently, WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines have fallen prey to cyberattacks.
The FBI specifically targeted Scattered Spider in an alert Friday, where the bureau stated that the organization was "broadening its focus to encompass the airline industry."
DispersedSpider was associated with the hacking and blackmail activities. In 2023, Caesars Entertainment along with MGM Resorts International , resulting in the latter demanding a ransom of around $15 million.
A substantial amount of driver’s license information along with potentially Social Security numbers belonging to the casino patrons was accessed by hackers via the ransomware attack.
The FBI warning stated, "These individuals utilize social engineering tactics, frequently pretending to be staff members or subcontractors to trick IT support services into providing them with access."
They focus on major corporations along with their third-party IT service providers," the alert went on. "This implies that entities within the aviation sector—such as approved suppliers and subcontractors—are potentially vulnerable." The message further stated, "After gaining access, members of the Scattered Spider group pilfer confidential information for blackmail purposes and frequently install ransomware.
The chief technology officer at Mandiant, which handles Google’s cloud security, urged the sector to "quickly fortify their systems."
WestJet stated that they have made considerable headway in addressing a security breach they experienced earlier this month.
Hawaiian Airlines informed the Securities and Exchange Commission about discovering the breach on Monday.
"On June 23, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines, which is part of the Alaska Air Group, Inc., detected a cybersecurity issue impacting some of their IT systems," stated the company in an official document. "Once we became aware of this situation, immediate actions were taken to protect both our operations and systems at Hawaiian." The airline assured everyone that flights continue to operate without disruption according to schedule.
The Federal Aviation Administration informed Reuters It had contact with Hawaiian Airlines. "Safety remains unaffected, and the airline keeps operating securely. We are keeping an eye on the circumstances," the authority stated.
The Independent stands out as the globe's premier source of unbiased journalism, offering international news, insights, and evaluations tailored for those with an independent mindset. With a substantial following of globally dispersed readers who cherish their reliable perspective and dedication to fostering constructive transformation, we continue to thrive. Today more than ever, our objective—to drive progress forward—remains crucial.