Massive Cyber Heist Strikes UK Airports: Could Your Personal Data Be Next?
So, imagine cruising through Manchester Airport, maybe sneaking a fast track pass or connecting to that coveted in-airport WiFi, only to find out your info just took an unauthorized little trip of its own… into the hands of cyber-attackers. Yep, the Manchester Airports Group, which runs Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands, recently got hit by a data breach affecting a whopping 8.7 million customers. Now, before you start panicking about your bank details flying off into the ether—relax, those seem safe for now. But the hackers did snag emails, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and other bits from bookings and sign-ups. It’s like someone rummaged through the airport’s digital lost and found, gathering names and numbers. The big question is—when airports get hacked, does that mean our journeys are safer or just a little spookier? Dive in to find out how this tale unfolds and what it means for your next flight. LEARN MORE
Three major UK airports have been hit by a cyber-attack, with details from millions of customers hacked.
The Manchester Airports Group (MAG) which operates Manchester Airport, London Stansted and also East Midlands, said it was was made aware of the cyber security incident on Tuesday (August 25).
It came from an ‘unauthorised third party’, meaning data was accessed relating to car parking, fast track bookings and also in-airport WiFi sign ups for 8.7 million customers.
Manchester Airport was hit by the hack (Getty)
LADbible has learned that the data includes personal email addresses used for sign-ups and bookings, as well as personal mobile numbers, postcodes and vehicle registration numbers.
It’s understood the majority of those affected is customers who had used Wi-Fi sign ups, meaning it is predominantly email addresses that have been accessed.
No personal banking details have been retrieved in the hack, and it has not disrupted operations at any of the airports.
A MAG spokesperson said that ‘customer data’ was obtained in a ‘cyber security incident’ and that specialist advisors are now working to protect those affected.
“Manchester Airports group has been subject to a cyber security incident by an unauthorised third party,” a statement read.
“A quantity of customer data has been obtained that relates to car park, lounge and Fast Track bookings and in-airport WIFI sign-ups at Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports.
London Stansted was also effected (Getty Images)
“We immediately contained the risk and have been working with specialist advisors and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems. We have informed and are working with the relevant authorities. At no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised.”
“The incident has not resulted in any operational disruption. Airport operations remain unaffected and customer parking services continue to operate normally.
“Neither MAG nor the system accessed hold customers’ bank or payment details. The data that has been accessed includes customers’ email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations and postcodes.
“We would like to reassure customers that Manchester Airport Group takes the security of customer information extremely seriously and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused.”
The security breach comes after the airport group saw seven million passengers use the three airports across July.
London Stansted also recently recorded its busiest month in its history, also in July, with a total of 3.1 million passengers passing through.
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