In a rare confirmation by Russian prosecutors, a cyberattack was said to have hit Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline. Due to this, more than 60 flights were canceled in reaction. It comes after the mass cancellations stranded many travelers and led to chaos at airports throughout Russia. Footage from several terminals caught departure screens showing a daunting blitz of canceled flights, reflecting how far reaching the disaster has been.
A hacker group called Silent Crow, allegedly acting at the behest of the pro-Ukrainian Anonymous collective has taken credit for the attack. Besides, according to reports, Belarusian hackers were involved in the cyber operation too. This unified move comes as a direct response to Russia’s escalating occupation of Ukraine. It makes an already dangerous situation in the region even more combustible.
Though details behind the cyberattack are still scarce, the impact is significant. The attack had an immediate and profound impact on aviation. It raised great alarm of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the wake of geopolitical conflict. Search warrant authorities are now working to investigate the extent of the breach and take action to increase cybersecurity protection.
These cancellations, which have been disproportionately felt by their domestic and international operations, have caused harrowing scenes at their hubs in large airports. Travelers, most of whom had no idea of what was developing, were left in the dark about their future travel plans. Airport staff did all they could to help passengers, but the number of cancellations was far too great for staff on the ground at multiple locations.