Pro-Ukrainian Hackers Strike Aeroflot, Causing Flight Disruptions

Aeroflot faced significant operational disruptions after a cyber-attack attributed to the pro-Ukrainian group Silent Crow, in collaboration with the Belarusian Cyberpartisans. While the impact on the airline remains to be confirmed, the incident has highlighted the ongoing cyber warfare related to the Ukraine conflict.

Russia's prominent airline, Aeroflot, has reported widespread flight cancellations after a cyber-attack allegedly orchestrated by the pro-Ukrainian hacking group Silent Crow, along with support from Belarusian hackers known as Cyberpartisans. According to Silent Crow's announcement on Telegram, their attack led to a complete breakdown of Aeroflot's IT infrastructure.

As a result of the incident, Aeroflot has cancelled more than 40 flights primarily within Russia, but also affecting destinations like Belarus and Armenia. The Kremlin expressed concern over the situation, stating that the airline's operational issues were "worrying," and acknowledged the delays caused by the cybersecurity breach.

The hacking group further threatened to disclose personal information pertaining to all Russians who have ever used Aeroflot services, ending their message with "Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!” This statement reflects the ongoing tensions in the region and the digital battle accompanying the conflict.

Anton Gorelkin, a member of the Russian Parliament, pointed out the multifaceted nature of warfare against Russia, extending into the realm of digital security. While hacker groups are known for often overstating their success, the Russian prosecutor’s office confirmed that there was indeed a failure in Aeroflot's IT systems due to the hacker activity, prompting a criminal investigation.

Passengers affected by the cancellations are being rebooked on flights operated by different airlines, as the transport ministry coordinated efforts to manage the impact on travel. The ongoing cyber warfare between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian hacking factions has intensified since the escalation of conflict in 2022, leading to significant disruptions for both civilian travel and national entities.

This incident marks a noticeable attack against a major Russian institution, with potential consequences for tens of thousands of travelers. Silent Crow coordinated with Cyber Partisans, a well-organized hacktivist group that has been challenging dictatorial governance in Belarus through cyber operations since 2022. Despite a plethora of groups labeling themselves as under the "hacktivist" umbrella, many maintain ties with national security agencies.

As the Russian military activities persist and Ukrainian drone strikes continue to threaten travel safety, this cyber-attack adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, impacting ordinary civilians caught in the turmoil.