In a bold move amidst ongoing conflict, pro-Ukraine hackers have targeted Aeroflot, Russia's state airline, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights and the disruption of its IT systems.
Pro-Ukrainian Hackers Disrupt Aeroflot Operations in Cyber Attack
Pro-Ukrainian Hackers Disrupt Aeroflot Operations in Cyber Attack
Pro-Ukrainian hacking collective claims credit for targeting Russia's national airline, leading to significant flight cancellations and system failures.
The hacking group known as Silent Crow, in collaboration with the Belarusian collective Cyberpartisans, claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, which they stated had "completely destroyed" Aeroflot’s IT infrastructure. The airline confirmed that over 40 flights were canceled, primarily within Russia but also disrupting routes to Belarus and Armenia, prompting concerns from Kremlin officials.
Silent Crow utilized Telegram to announce their operation, asserting their commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Additionally, they threatened to release private information of Russian citizens who have traveled with Aeroflot, concluding their message with inflammatory slogans of support for Ukraine and Belarus.
In response, Russian MP Anton Gorelkin commented on the incident, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of warfare, which now extends into the digital sphere. Despite the claims made by the hackers, expert analysis indicates that pro-Ukraine hacking groups may often overstate their successes. However, the Russian prosecutor's office has verified a failure within Aeroflot's information systems due to the cyberattack, leading to the launch of a criminal investigation.
As a direct result of the incident, some passengers are being transferred to alternative flights offered by other airlines. This attack marks a significant moment as it visibly impacts a major Russian enterprise, affecting thousands of civilians while highlighting the escalating use of cyber warfare in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Silent Crow’s partnership with Cyberpartisans, an established hacking group opposing authoritarian rule in Belarus, reflects a growing trend where cyber activists engage in high-stakes operations against perceived aggressors. Historically, both pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian cyber factions have demonstrated their capabilities since the escalation of hostilities in 2022, frequently leading to operational disruptions.
In recent months, travelers in Russia have confronted numerous challenges, mainly due to drone assaults attributed to Ukrainian forces, with significant flight interruptions noted at Moscow's airports. The ongoing cyber warfare illustrates a different yet equally impactful battleground in the larger context of the war, characterized by a continuous battle for control over information and public sentiment.
Silent Crow utilized Telegram to announce their operation, asserting their commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Additionally, they threatened to release private information of Russian citizens who have traveled with Aeroflot, concluding their message with inflammatory slogans of support for Ukraine and Belarus.
In response, Russian MP Anton Gorelkin commented on the incident, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of warfare, which now extends into the digital sphere. Despite the claims made by the hackers, expert analysis indicates that pro-Ukraine hacking groups may often overstate their successes. However, the Russian prosecutor's office has verified a failure within Aeroflot's information systems due to the cyberattack, leading to the launch of a criminal investigation.
As a direct result of the incident, some passengers are being transferred to alternative flights offered by other airlines. This attack marks a significant moment as it visibly impacts a major Russian enterprise, affecting thousands of civilians while highlighting the escalating use of cyber warfare in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Silent Crow’s partnership with Cyberpartisans, an established hacking group opposing authoritarian rule in Belarus, reflects a growing trend where cyber activists engage in high-stakes operations against perceived aggressors. Historically, both pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian cyber factions have demonstrated their capabilities since the escalation of hostilities in 2022, frequently leading to operational disruptions.
In recent months, travelers in Russia have confronted numerous challenges, mainly due to drone assaults attributed to Ukrainian forces, with significant flight interruptions noted at Moscow's airports. The ongoing cyber warfare illustrates a different yet equally impactful battleground in the larger context of the war, characterized by a continuous battle for control over information and public sentiment.
