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Seattle's main airport area is fending off a cyberattack, which has caused delays for passengers.
On Saturday morning, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport reported a mysterious IT outage that forced it to isolate "critical systems." Airport officials have since blamed the incident on a cyberattack.
"We became aware of unauthorized activity on the port system," Lance Lyttle, aviation managing director at the airport, said in a Sunday press conference. “We’re conducting a thorough investigation with [the] assistance of outside experts.”
The attack affects IT services at the Port of Seattle, the government agency that oversees the airport and the local seaport. The websites for both the Port of Seattle and the airport are offline. "This has impacted internet access to some of the airport systems, including our ability to send and receive data, including email,” Lyttle added.
The exact nature of the cyberattack is unknown. But the incident raises concerns that ransomware—which can encrypt and shut down entire fleets of computers—may be involved. In many ransomware attacks, the hackers will also steal data, including customer information.
In the meantime, Lyttle said the Port of Seattle is working “around the clock” to restore systems. Other airport services, including passenger terminals and security screening measures, remain online. Still, the ensuing disruption has caused some delays at check-in, departures, and baggage receipts.
“The baggage sorting system is extremely limited at SEA,” Alaska Airlines tweeted to customers on Sunday. “If you are flying out today, pack light, keep essential belongings with you, and avoid checking a bag if possible.”
The attack occurs as the US is increasingly concerned about ransomware hackers taking down the country’s critical infrastructure. Last week, oil services provider Halliburton also reported a cyberattack that forced some company systems offline.