Cyberattack hits 3 UK airports, data of 8.7 million customers stolen

A cyberattack has targeted three major airports in the United Kingdom with hackers reportedly stealing the data of around 8.7 million people and demanding a ransom in exchange for returning it.

According to British media reports, hackers carried out a cyberattack on Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports. The report claimed that sensitive data belonging to approximately 8.7 million customers was stolen.

The compromised information includes email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers and postcodes. Data related to car parking, lounge and fast-track bookings was also affected.

According to media reports, data belonging to airport Wi-Fi users was also compromised. The Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said that hackers obtained customers contact information, vehicle registration numbers and postcodes over the weekend.

The group told the British broadcaster that the hackers demanded a ransom in exchange for returning the stolen data. However, the company refused to pay. The amount of the ransom has not been disclosed.

According to the company, passenger safety and aviation security were not affected at any stage and the hacked system did not contain customers banking or payment information.

The company said that data belonging to approximately 8.7 million customers was affected with most of the compromised information consisting of email addresses. The information was linked to Wi-Fi sign-ups at the airport terminals.

The group assured customers that it takes the security of their information extremely seriously and apologized for any inconvenience or concern caused by the incident.

According to the company, it became aware of the cyberattack on Tuesday after which further access by the hackers was immediately blocked and affected customers were notified.

The group said the threat had been contained quickly and that with the assistance of experts, necessary measures were being taken to protect customers and its systems. The relevant authorities have also been informed about the incident.