The Russian airline Aeroflot faced major operational disruptions after a cyber attack claimed by the pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow, in collaboration with the Belarusian Cyber Partisans. The group announced on Telegram that their prolonged cyber operation "completely destroyed" Aeroflot's IT systems, resulting in the cancellation of more than 40 flights mainly within Russia, as well as routes to Belarus and Armenia. Aeroflot attributed delays and issues to malfunctions in its information systems, prompting concern from the Kremlin.
Silent Crow also issued a warning about releasing personal data of all individuals who have ever flown Aeroflot, ending their declaration with patriotic slogans for Ukraine and Belarus. The Belarusian Cyber Partisans stated their involvement in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression, confirming their role in the cyber strike against the airline.
Russian MP Anton Gorelkin remarked on the attack, emphasizing that the war is also waged in the digital realm. Although such hacker groups are known to exaggerate their feats, the Russian prosecutor's office acknowledged the disruption caused by the attack, which has led to a criminal investigation. The transport ministry announced that some affected passengers would be rebooked with other carriers.
This incident highlights the ongoing cyber warfare between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian factions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The level of damage caused by this attack remains to be seen, as in previous instances such groups have battled to promote their narratives and disrupt operations on both sides. However, the immediate disruption caused to Aeroflot signifies a notable impact on a major Russian carrier, affecting the lives of many travelers.
Silent Crow also issued a warning about releasing personal data of all individuals who have ever flown Aeroflot, ending their declaration with patriotic slogans for Ukraine and Belarus. The Belarusian Cyber Partisans stated their involvement in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression, confirming their role in the cyber strike against the airline.
Russian MP Anton Gorelkin remarked on the attack, emphasizing that the war is also waged in the digital realm. Although such hacker groups are known to exaggerate their feats, the Russian prosecutor's office acknowledged the disruption caused by the attack, which has led to a criminal investigation. The transport ministry announced that some affected passengers would be rebooked with other carriers.
This incident highlights the ongoing cyber warfare between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian factions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The level of damage caused by this attack remains to be seen, as in previous instances such groups have battled to promote their narratives and disrupt operations on both sides. However, the immediate disruption caused to Aeroflot signifies a notable impact on a major Russian carrier, affecting the lives of many travelers.
