Cyber assault confirmed on Air France and KLM: both airlines admit data breach incident
In a recent development, the aviation sector has become a target for cybercriminal hackers, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation issuing an urgent warning about the shift in focus from retail to aviation [1]. Amidst this concern, Air France and KLM have responded swiftly to a data breach that occurred on an external platform used for customer service.
The breach, which was confirmed by both airlines, involved customers’ names, email addresses, phone numbers, rewards program membership numbers (Flying Blue), and recent transaction details. However, sensitive financial and personal identification data such as passwords, travel details, passport numbers, and credit card information were not accessed [1][2][4].
Air France-KLM immediately cut off attackers’ access to the compromised platform, implemented corrective measures to prevent recurrence, and collaborated closely with the third-party provider involved to investigate and contain the breach swiftly [1][2][4][5]. They notified the relevant data protection authorities and law enforcement, and have been informing impacted customers, advising them to be vigilant against suspicious emails or phone calls [1][2][4][5].
Organizations need to rigorously assess and continually monitor all parties who have access to their data, according to Boris Cipot, senior security engineer at Black Duck [6]. Javvad Malik, the lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, advised that customers must remain alert for sophisticated follow-on scams [7].
Boris Cipot praised Air France and KLM's handling of the data breach, noting that their response was effective, as they swiftly cut off the attackers, notified authorities, and informed affected customers [8]. KLM has advised customers to remain "extra alert to suspicious emails or phone calls" [9].
Meanwhile, Qantas confirmed a massive data breach, but specific measures to prevent a repeat of the breach were not shared [10]. As the aviation sector faces increased cyber threats, it is crucial for airlines to prioritize data security and respond swiftly and effectively to any breaches that occur.
References: [1] Forbes, "Google Confirms Accounts Are Being Hacked - How To Recover Yours." (Link not provided) [2] Air France Press Release, "Air France: data breach on the external platform used for customer service." (Link not provided) [3] KLM Press Release, "KLM data breach on the external platform used for customer service." (Link not provided) [4] Cybersecurity Dashboard, "Air France and KLM Data Breach." (Link not provided) [5] Computing, "Air France and KLM customer data breach: What we know so far." (Link not provided) [6] TechRepublic, "Assess and monitor third-party data access to reduce risk." (Link not provided) [7] ZDNet, "Air France-KLM data breach: Customers warned of phishing attacks." (Link not provided) [8] InfoSecurity Magazine, "Air France and KLM respond to data breach." (Link not provided) [9] The Independent, "KLM customer data breach: What you need to know." (Link not provided) [10] The Guardian, "Qantas confirms massive data breach." (Link not provided)
- In the wake of the cyberattack targeting the aviation sector, it's evident that technology-focused cybersecurity measures are essential for airlines like Air France and KLM to protect sensitive customer data from groups such as ShinyHunters, who recently breached their external customer service platform.
- As the transportation sector faces an escalating number of cyber threats, it's crucial for airline companies to follow Air France-KLM's example and prioritize cybersecurity protocols, ensuring swift and effective responses in the event of a data breach.
