AIRPORT software is being held for ransom by criminals as travel chaos persists following a massive cyber attack.
The EU’s cyber security agency says that malicious software is being used to hamper check-in services at major terminals.
ReutersTravellers queue to check in at Heathrow Airport following a disruption to check-in and boarding systems[/caption]
APThe widespread cyber attack affected several European airports[/caption]
ReutersSecurity experts have said such interference bears all the hallmarks of Russian meddling[/caption]
It come as airports across Europe have been scrambling to resume normal service after Friday’s attack.
Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports all faced major disruption in its wake.
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity said: “The type of ransomware has been identified.
“Law enforcement is involved to investigate.”
Internal crisis communications from Heathrow staff seen by the BBC asked airlines to use manual workarounds to get passengers boarded and checked-in.
Criminals can use ransomware to inflict damage on computing systems and demand a bitcoin payment to undo the harm.
It is still not known for sure who is behind the crippling cyber attack that wreaked havoc across the continent.
But security experts have told The Sun that such interference bears all the hallmarks of Russian meddling.
Security and politics expert Anthony Glees told The Sun that such actions are an attempt to demonstrate the damage Putin can do to Western infrastructure.
He said: “Without doubt, the Russians are behind these attacks on airports in London, Berlin and Brussels.
“No one can doubt that Putin’s strategic planners are the beneficiaries here because they have been able to demonstrate they can attack our cyberspace with impunity and at will.”
Security specialist Will Geddes also told The Sun that it’s “very likely Russia is behind the devastating cyber attack”.
He added: “One possible connector which links the attack to the Russians could be Collins Aerospace, which secured a considerable deal from NATO.
“So, one could draw a line that Collins Aerospace’s success in winning this contract for NATO could have some correlation to this cyber attack.”
The attack against Collins Aerospace – a third party supplier – was unearthed on Friday night.
Terror law watchdog Jonathan Hall KC told PA Media it’s possible state-sponsored hackers could be behind the attack.
While considerable disruption has been seen across many airports, the pressure is now reported to be easing again.
Heathrow has urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
A spokesperson said this morning: The latest statement this morning from the airport states: “Airlines across Heathrow have implemented contingencies whilst their supplier Collins Aerospace works to resolve an issue with their airline check-in systems at airports across the world.
“These contingencies mean the vast majority of flights at Heathrow are operating as normal, although check-in and boarding for some flights may take slightly longer than usual.”
Collins Aerospace has said it has nearly completed software updates following the attack.
A National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) spokesperson said: “We are working with Collins Aerospace and affected UK airports, alongside Department for Transport and law enforcement colleagues, to fully understand the impact of an incident.”
AlamyBerlin Airport is among those affected by the attack[/caption]
APRussian President Vladimir Putin visits the Motovilikha Plants[/caption]