North American airlines targeted by cyberattacks
Source: NBC News
June 27, 2025, 4:48 PM EDT / Updated June 27, 2025, 9:00 PM EDT
At least two North American airlines have been victims of criminal hackers recently as the FBI and cybersecurity companies warn that a notorious cybercriminal group has been targeting the aviation industry.
WestJet and Hawaii airlines both said in June statements that they are responding to cyberattacks. American Airlines also experienced a tech issue on Friday, though its unclear if it was related or caused in any way by hackers.
A technology issue is affecting connectivity for some of our systems and we are working with our partners to fully resolve the issue, an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement. Though we are experiencing delays as a result, we have not canceled any flights at this time.
Cybersecurity companies that work directly with companies hit by hackers usually refrain from talking about specific victims, citing nondisclosure agreements. But both Google and Palo Alto Networks said Friday that they have observed a particularly effective cybercriminal group, nicknamed Scattered Spider by the cybersecurity industry, that tries to hack companies involved in aviation.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/american-airlines-targeted-cyberattacks-westjet-hawaii-rcna215645