Cyberattack on three UK airports: Data of 8.7 million customers stolen
Three major UK airports have been hit by a cyberattack, resulting in the theft of data belonging to approximately 8.7 million customers. The operator refused to pay the ransom demanded by the hackers.
Three major airports in the UK were hit by a "cybersecurity incident" in which criminal hackers obtained data of approximately 8.7 million customers and demanded a ransom, the BBC reports.
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which operates Manchester, East Midlands, and London Stansted airports, stated that over the weekend, customer contact details, vehicle license plate numbers, and zip codes were accessed. MAG confirmed to the BBC that the hackers demanded a ransom for the return of the data, but the group refused to pay. The ransom amount was not disclosed.
The company emphasized that "at no point was passenger safety or aviation security compromised," and that the breached system did not contain bank or payment details. Most of the data accessed by the hackers included customer email addresses associated with registration for WiFi services in the terminals. More detailed information, including vehicle license plate numbers, came from people who booked parking spaces, lounge access, or fast-track security services.
MAG stated that it only learned of the breach on Tuesday, and that it quickly prevented further access by the hackers and notified the affected customers.
"We immediately limited the risk, and we are working with expert consultants and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems," the company said. "We have updated the relevant authorities and are working with them."
The company further apologized for any inconvenience and asked customers to remain vigilant for suspicious emails, text messages, or phone calls, and to avoid opening unknown attachments.
Michael Goddard, 71, from Cheshire, said that he and his wife Julie, 68, received an email from MAG informing them that their data had been exposed.
"I was stunned. To find out that your personal information has been stolen — it's worrying. My information is gone and I don't know what they are going to do with it. They have my address, they have my name, so it's not too hard to find out who I am. I'm not 100% reassured by what the Manchester Airports Group said," Goddard told BBC Radio Manchester.
MAG stated that the identity of the hackers is known and that the relevant authorities have been updated. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office stated that it is investigating the incident.
