WestJet Launches Probe into Cyber Incident Affecting Passenger Data
WestJet Faces Cyber-Attack, Online Services Impacted
Canada's second largest airline, WestJet Airlines, is currently grappling with a cyber-attack that has affected some of its online services, including its website and app. The airline has activated internal teams, law enforcement, and Transport Canada to investigate the matter and limit the impacts.
Guests may encounter intermittent interruptions or errors while using the WestJet app and WestJet.com. However, flight operations remain unaffected, ensuring the safety and stability of the airline's operations.
No specific details about the nature of the cyber-attack have been shared yet, but it's worth noting that such incidents can potentially involve digital extortion or data theft given the large volume of customer information airlines process and the low tolerance for operational outages.
The risk of cyber-attacks on airlines is a growing concern in the aviation industry. Last year, incidents involving SpiceJet, Sunwing Airlines, and El Al flights demonstrated this concern. In 2022, India's SpiceJet was forced to delay a number of flights due to a ransomware attack, while two El Al flights bound for Israel reportedly encountered attempts to hack their communications networks in order to divert them from their pre-programmed route.
In response to these threats, the EU's aviation sector has implemented new cybersecurity regulations. In 2024, the EU's aviation safety agency, EASA, revamped its cybersecurity regulations for the sector with the release of the first Easy Access Rules (EAR) for Information Security (Part IS).
WestJet advises guests and employees to exercise additional caution, especially when sharing personal information. The firm has been issuing updates on its website around every 12 hours over the weekend.
Despite the ongoing cyber-attack, WestJet's operations remain safe and stable and are not impacted by the situation. The company is working to resolve the issues caused by the cyber-attack.
This is a developing story and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
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