Seattle Airport Cyberattack: Hackers Demand 100 Bitcoins, Files Posted on Dark Web

COINOTAG news, September 19, according to Fortune magazine, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport experienced a significant cyber attack in August. Hackers demanded a ransom of 100 bitcoins, in exchange for the stolen files. These files have now surfaced on the dark web, officials disclosed on Wednesday. The Port of Seattle, owner and operator of the airport, refused to pay the ransom. The FBI is currently spearheading a criminal investigation, confirmed Lance Lyttle, director of aviation management at the port. Addressing the U.S. Senate Committee, Lyttle revealed that while the airport had managed to contain the attack, some data remained encrypted. “On Monday, copies of eight stolen files were posted on the dark web, with hackers demanding 100 bitcoins for their retrieval,” Lyttle said. He refrained from detailing the documents’ contents, but assured that the airport would notify any affected individuals. Officials stressed that paying the ransom was deemed inefficient use of taxpayer funds. The airport is still in recovery, following the August 24 attack, which disrupted operations during a busy period preceding the U.S. Labor Day holiday. Although flights operated normally, there were significant disruptions to ticketing, self-service check-ins, and baggage handling. Passengers on smaller airlines were forced to use paper boarding passes.