While the exact data compromised remains unclear, Seattle airport has confirmed the hackers encrypted a portion of the information.
The cybercriminals responsible for the data breach that occurred at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport a month ago are now demanding a ransom of one hundred bitcoins, which is equivalent to almost six million dollars.
However, it has not been determined exactly what was accessed or the nature of the information that was obtained.
Hackers Rhysida Ransomware Group Identified
Lance Lyttle, the aviation managing director of Seattle airport testified at a hearing with the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee of the United States Senate on Wednesday morning that the investigation into the hack is still ongoing.
He confirmed that Rhysida was the ransomware gang responsible for the attack. In addition, Seattle airport had determined that Rhysida was the ransomware gang responsible for the attack, and the FBI was leading a criminal investigation, according to Lance Lyttle, the port’s managing director of aviation, who was speaking in front of a committee in the United States Senate.
Seattle Airport Defies Hackers’ Ransomware, Refuses Bitcoin Payment
According to Lyttle, the airport appeared to have been successful in containing the attack, but the hackers were able to encrypt a portion of the data. On the same day, hackers uploaded eight files that they had stolen from Port systems on their dark web site.
According to Lance Lyttle, they threatened to sell the data unless they received one hundred bitcoins in exchange for the material. Lyttle did not provide any specifics regarding the contents of the files, but he did state that the airport will make contact with anyone whose personal information may have been compromised.
Port officials have stated that paying the ransom would be an inappropriate use of taxpayer-provided funds. Since the incident began on August 24, the airport has had a difficult time returning to normal operations.
In August, the United States government transferred a total of 10,000 bitcoins worth $600 million to the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Prime. Many speculated that the government might have done this to make deposits.
However, attorney Scott Jhonsson has successfully revealed the truth, confirming that the United States Marshal Service (USMS) is indeed selling Bitcoin in line with the previous agreement with the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase.
Although there was no significant disruption in terms of flights, there were issues with ticketing, check-in kiosks, and baggage handling. This was the case despite the fact that the disruption occurred just one week before the Labor Day holiday.
For passengers flying on airlines with a smaller membership base, paper boarding permits were mandatory.
