Scattered Spider Hackers Reportedly Targeting Airline Industry
The FBI has issued a warning about recent cyberattacks that resemble Scattered Spider, targeting not only large corporations but also the air travel industry. According to a statement from the law enforcement agency, cited by TechCrunch on Saturday (June 28), the hackers' tactics have been observed in various sectors, including aviation.
Scattered Spider is a group of younger hackers known for their sophisticated methods, which include social engineering, phishing, and even threats of violence to access company networks. The group has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks, such as the 2023 data breach at MGM Casinos and Resorts in Las Vegas, which brought those hotels to a standstill. More recently, they attacked British retailer Marks & Spencer, wiping out over $807 million of the company's market capitalization.
The FBI's warning comes amid growing concerns about cybersecurity threats targeting the airline industry. According to Google's Mandiant cybersecurity arm and Palo Alto Networks' security research division Unit 42, both have reported seeing Scattered Spider cyberattacks targeting the aviation sector.
As a result, the FBI has warned that hackers could target large corporations and their third-party IT providers, putting "anyone in the airline ecosystem, including trusted vendors and contractors, at risk." This means that even those who are not directly connected to an airline company could be vulnerable to attacks.
A Growing Threat Landscape
Recent reports have highlighted the growing threat landscape of cybersecurity scams. A report by Verizon found that 30% of data breaches occurring during the year ending October 31 involved a third party, double the number from the previous year.
PYMNTS noted that scammers are refining their methods, using psychological ploys to bypass critical thinking and trigger immediate action from unwitting victims. These tactics include texts begging for money to help stranded family members and friends, romance scams, and impersonation of banks, the IRS, and government agencies.
In addition, fraudsters are joining forces to form organized networks, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to stay safe online. Research by PYMNTS Intelligence suggests that no one is immune, not even tech-savvy members of Generation Z.
The Human Factor
While technology plays a significant role in cybersecurity threats, human psychology also plays a crucial part. Brian Boates, risk lead for Block, told PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster that the customer is often willing and wants to proceed with payment, making intervention especially complex.
"This makes it challenging to disrupt a user's determined intent," Boates added. The complexity of this issue highlights the need for education and awareness about cybersecurity threats and the importance of critical thinking in avoiding scams.
Stay Safe Online
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to remain vigilant and take steps to protect yourself from cyber threats. Here are some tips to help you stay safe online:
- Be cautious of unsolicited texts or emails asking for money or sensitive information.
- Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or providing personal data without verifying the authenticity of the request.
- Keep your software and operating system up to date with the latest security patches.
- Use strong passwords and consider using a password manager to generate unique and complex codes.
By being aware of these threats and taking steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to Scattered Spider or other cyberattacks.