Pro-Russia Hacktivists Attack European Air Traffic Control’s Website

European air traffic control (ATC) has confirmed that its website has been attacked by a group of pro-Russia hackers, causing disruptions to the online system used by the aviation industry across Europe. The cyberattack is believed to have started in the early hours of April 22, with the ATC website being intermittently inaccessible since then.

It is being said that the hacking has been executed in retaliation for European support of Ukraine in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. ATC officials have been working around the clock with cybersecurity experts to counteract the attack and restore the website's full functionality.

We are doing everything we can to mitigate the impact of this cyberattack and restore our website as soon as possible.ATC spokesperson

Despite the ongoing cyberattack, European air traffic controllers have managed to maintain smooth operations, and no significant delays or disruptions to air travel have been reported.

However, the cyberattack impacted the agency's internal and external communication channels, leading the organization's 2,000 employees to adopt alternative commercial communication methods to ensure seamless collaboration and coordination.

The Experts' Take on The Attack

Security experts suggest this attack is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader campaign by pro-Russia hackers targeting European infrastructure.

This attack on European air traffic control is just the latest in a series of cyberattacks that we have seen in recent months, all of which seem to be coming from pro-Russia hacking groups.Dr.Elena Petrova, a senior hacker at Google

According to experts, the goal of these attacks is twofold - to create chaos within European infrastructure systems and to send a clear message to European governments about the consequences of their support for Ukraine.

European governments have quickly condemned the cyberattack, with many calling for a coordinated response to counter the growing threat from pro-Russia hacking groups.

In response to the cyberattack, the European Union has announced plans to bolster its cybersecurity defenses, including increased funding for cybersecurity research and establishing a new cybersecurity task force. The task force will focus on coordinating efforts between member states to address cyber threats and ensure critical infrastructure security.

In addition to the European response, several international organizations have expressed concern over the attack on European air traffic control.

Cybersecurity threats to the global aviation industry are a growing concern, and we must work together to ensure the safety and security of our networks and systems.International Air Transport Association (IATA)More Instances From the Past

In October last year, a large-scale DDoS attack was launched, with Killnet taking the responsibility. The said strike rendered more than a dozen US airport websites offline. In January, 2023, Anonymous Sudan claimed responsibility for a similar attack directed at the websites of the German foreign intelligence service and the Cabinet of Germany.

This attack was executed in solidarity with Killnet and in response to Germany's plans to send tanks to Ukraine. Similarly, in February 2023, the group targeted German airport websites using the same tactics.

DDoS attacks are relatively easy to execute, requiring minimal technical expertise.

Hacktivists have access to an array of open-source DDoS tools to overwhelm target organizations' networks with unwanted traffic. This simplicity makes DDoS attacks appealing to those seeking publicity. However, with proper security measures, these attacks usually amount to mere nuisances.

As European ATC continues to battle the cyberattack, it is clear that the incident has raised alarm bells across the continent and beyond. The swift response from European governments and international organizations indicates a growing awareness of the need to address cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure.

While the ultimate impact of this attack is yet to be seen, it apparently serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of cyber warfare and the importance of strong, coordinated defense efforts.

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