Japan Airlines (JAL), the second largest carrier in the country, experienced a significant cyber strike on its systems early on Thursday morning, disrupting both local and international flight services.
The assault initiated at 7:24 AM local time (2224 GMT) and aimed at the airline’s internal and external network equipment, resulting in system glitches affecting communication and operational procedures.
Confirming the incident on the platform X (formerly Twitter), JAL released a statement declaring, “We are encountering a cyber strike on our internal and external network devices, creating issues with the systems linked to external networks.
We project that this will impact both local and international flights.” The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience to passengers and assured that measures were being taken to tackle the problem.
Currently, nine flights have been postponed due to the system issues, with more disruptions expected. A JAL spokesperson recognized the likelihood of further delays or cancellations but refrained from giving detailed information on the severity of the incident.
This occurrence underscores the escalating cyber threats in Japan’s aviation sector. JAL now adds to the list of Japanese businesses that have recently encountered cyber assaults.
Back in 2022, a similar strike disrupted operations at a Toyota provider, causing a halt in production at local factories for a complete day. More recently, in June 2024, the video-sharing network Niconico halted its services due to a substantial cyber assault.
JAL’s cyber strike also reflects the global trend of rising vulnerabilities in pivotal infrastructure sectors. The aviation field has been notably susceptible to such threats, given its dependence on interconnected digital systems, from ticketing to luggage management.
The airline has not disclosed the identity of the perpetrators or the specifics of the strike but emphasized working closely with cybersecurity specialists and authorities to fix the problem. Specialists caution that these strikes could endanger confidential data or disturb vital services if not expeditiously handled.
Travelers are advised to monitor JAL’s authorized website or connect with customer support for the latest updates on flight schedules and potential delays. The airline assured passengers of providing real-time reports as new information emerges.
Commencing in 1951, Japan Airlines has been a cornerstone of the nation’s aviation sector. With a fleet serving more than 90 locations globally, it remains among the leading carriers in the country.
While inquiries progress, this cyber assault stands as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by critical industries in an increasingly digital era.
The article titled “Japan Airlines System Hit by Cyber Attack, Flight Operations Affected” was sourced from Cyber Security News.