Seattle Kena Ransomware Port, Some Services Disrupted

Photo: Seattle port illustration (photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Seattle / Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) confirmed that its web system experienced a ransomware attack on Saturday, August 24.

In its latest statement posted on September 13, the Port stated that the ransomware attack was carried out by a criminal organization known as Rhysida.

Since then, all port staff have claimed to have worked around the clock to ensure that partners and travelers use their gates safely and are protected.

This includes involving our forensic specialists and actively supporting law enforcement investigations against attackers. This also includes countless working hours by port staff and volunteers to reduce the impact of the incident," the Port wrote in its official statement.

The port also believes that the team's various efforts to stop the attack on August 24, 2024 were able to stop the attack. However, they continue to monitor the system regularly.

As a result of this ransomware attack, the perpetrators managed to gain access to certain parts of the port computer system and were able to encrypt access to certain data.

Although it is not yet known what data the attacker has obtained, the port ensures that it has taken steps to block further activity, including cutting off its system from the internet.

However, their encryption and response actions ultimately hampered some port services including baggage, check-in kiosks, tickets, Wi-Fi, passenger information boards, Seattle Port websites, flySEA apps, and booked parking lots.

The port asked for one week to work on restoring some of their systems, including external websites and port internal portals.

The port also firmly refused to pay the ransom requested. As a result, the perpetrators posted data they claimed had been stolen on their dark site (dark web).

"Our investigation into the data taken by the perpetrators is still ongoing, we are committed to making this effort and informing stakeholders who have the potential to be affected properly," he concluded.