Additional Coverage:
Suspect Arrested in Connection with European Airport Cyberattack
Authorities in the UK have arrested a man in his 40s in connection with the recent cyberattack that disrupted operations at several European airports, including London’s Heathrow. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported the arrest took place Tuesday in West Sussex, with the suspect subsequently released on conditional bail. He is suspected of computer misuse offenses.
The cyberattack, which began late last week and continued through the weekend, caused widespread disruption to electronic systems at airports in London, Berlin, and Brussels. Airline staff resorted to manual check-in processes and backup systems to manage the fallout. While many other European airports remained unaffected, the targeted systems, provided by US-based Collins Aerospace, play a crucial role in passenger check-in, baggage handling, and boarding pass issuance.
Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s national cybercrime unit, cautioned that while the arrest marks a positive development, the investigation remains in its early stages. He emphasized the ongoing and significant threat posed by cybercrime in the UK.
While the culprit behind the attack remains unclear, experts suggest possibilities ranging from individual hackers to organized criminal groups and even state-sponsored actors. The European Commission confirmed that air traffic control and aviation safety systems were not compromised during the incident.