Pro-Ukraine Hackers Target Aeroflot’s IT Systems, Causing Flight Cancellations

The recent cyber-attack by the hacking group Silent Crow caused significant disruption to Aeroflot’s operations, resulting in the cancellation of over 40 flights and an ongoing investigation.

Russia's Aeroflot airline faced a substantial blow to its operations as pro-Ukrainian hackers claimed responsibility for a cyber-attack that disrupted its IT systems. The group, known as Silent Crow, announced on Telegram that they executed a "prolonged and large-scale operation" that they said had "completely destroyed" Aeroflot's information infrastructure. In response, Aeroflot reported the cancellation of more than 40 flights, primarily impacting domestic routes and some international ones to Belarus and Armenia.

The Kremlin expressed concern over this incident, with Aeroflot acknowledging that many passengers experienced delays due to complications with their IT operations. The hacker group further threatened to publish the personal data of all Russian citizens who have traveled with Aeroflot, ending their message with a defiant "Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!".

In their statement, Cyberpartisans, a Belarus-based group allied with Silent Crow, reinforced their commitment to assist Ukraine against Russian forces, illustrating the digital battleground present in the ongoing conflict. Anton Gorelkin, a member of the Russian parliament, remarked on the multifaceted nature of the war, emphasizing that "the war against our country is being waged on all fronts, including the digital one."

While hacker groups often boast about their capabilities and successes, the extent and implications of this particular cyber-attack remain uncertain. The Russian prosecutor's office acknowledged a failure in Aeroflot's systems due to the cyber intrusion and has launched an investigation into the incident.

Transfer plans for affected passengers have been initiated, utilizing alternative carriers, as the scale of the disruption caught many off guard. The ongoing conflict since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has heightened issues related to digital warfare, with both pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian hacking entities gaining activity.

Silent Crow's cooperation with the Belarusian Cyberpartisans underscores a growing trend of hacktivism spurred by geopolitical tensions. With frequent cyber-attacks and physical assaults, the digital skirmishes have tangible effects on civilian life, as seen in this instance of widespread flight cancellations impacting countless travelers.