Airbus [1] [2] [3] [4] [5], the European aerospace corporation [3], recently experienced a significant data breach that exposed personal information of 3,200 vendors. This breach has raised concerns about cybersecurity in the aerospace industry.
Description
The breach was caused by a RedLine info-stealer [4] [5], which originated from an employee of Turkish Airlines [5]. The employee attempted to download a pirated version of the Microsoft .NET framework [1] [5], unknowingly allowing hackers to infiltrate their device and compromise their account. As a result [4], sensitive data belonging to Airbus was leaked [2]. The threat actor responsible for the breach [5], known as “USDoD,” claims to be part of the Ransomed ransomware group and has posted the breached data on the BreachForums site [5]. Airbus has launched an investigation into the incident and is taking cybersecurity seriously [4] [5]. Hudson Rock has confirmed the connection between the breach and Turkish Airlines. Security experts warn that other companies in the aerospace industry, such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon [4], may also be targeted [4]. The US Department of Defense has expressed similar concerns. To mitigate supply chain risk [4] [5], experts recommend conducting tabletop exercises, monitoring credentials, and having a breach response plan in place. Airbus is implementing immediate measures to prevent further compromise [1], highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the risks associated with third-party vendors and partners [2]. The breach has been reported to relevant regulatory and data protection authorities [3]. Despite the breach [5], Airbus’ commercial operations continue as normal [3].
Conclusion
The data breach at Airbus has had significant impacts, exposing the personal information of vendors and raising concerns about cybersecurity in the aerospace industry. To address these concerns, Airbus is taking immediate measures to prevent further compromise and is emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. The breach also highlights the risks associated with third-party vendors and partners, prompting experts to recommend conducting tabletop exercises, monitoring credentials, and having a breach response plan in place. The incident has been reported to regulatory and data protection authorities [3]. Additionally, there are concerns that other companies in the aerospace industry may be targeted, indicating the need for increased vigilance and security measures.
References
[1] https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366552002/Data-on-over-3000-Airbus-suppliers-leaked-after-breach
[2] https://ftnnews.com/news-from-turkey/46896-airbus-suffers-data-breach-after-hackers-target-turkish-airlines-employee-s-device
[3] https://www.hackercombat.com/airbus-suffers-data-breach-employees-data-accessed/
[4] https://flyytech.com/2023/09/15/pirated-software-likely-cause-of-airbus-breach/
[5] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/pirated-software-cause-airbus/
