Tech companies Google and Palo Alto Networks are sounding the ala
rm over the “Scattered Spider” hacking group’s interest in the aviation sector.
In a statement posted on LinkedIn on Friday, Sam Rubin, an executi
ve at Palo Alto’s cybersecurity-focused Unit 42, said his company had “
observed Muddled Libra (also known as Scattered Spider) targ
eting the aviation industry.”
In a similar statement, Charles Carmakal, an executive with Alp
habet-owned Google’s cybersecurity-focused Mandiant unit,
said his company was “aware of multiple incidents in the
airline and transportation sector which resemble the operations of UNC39
44 or Scattered Spider.”
Neither executive identified which specific companies had been t
See more beautiful photo albums Here >>>
argeted, but Alaska Air Group-owned Hawaiian Airlines and Canada’s
WestJet have both recently reported being struck by unspecified cyber incidents.
Neither company has gone into detail about the intrusions or comme
nted on any potential links between the incidents and Scattered Spider.
The loose-knit but aggressive hacking group, alleged to at least i
n part comprise youngsters operating in Western countries, has been blame
d for some of the most disruptive hacks to hit the United States and Europe in recent memory.
In 2023, hackers tied to the group broke into gaming companies
MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, partially paralyzing c
asinos and knocking slot machines out of commission.
Earlier this year, the group wreaked havoc at British retailers. More recent targets include the U.S. insurance industry.