Ransomware attacks, which have been increasing in recent years, have had a great impact on the aviation industry. Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, was hacked by the hacker group Lockbit.

Boeing was hacked and 50 GB of data shared

Hackers have announced that they have obtained a “massive amount” of sensitive data from aerospace giant Boeing and will publish it online unless the company pays a ransom by November 2. According to a post on Lockbit’s website, the sensitive data stolen from Boeing was shared yesterday morning.

In a statement, Boeing confirmed that some data belonging to the company’s parts and distribution unit was subjected to a cyber attack. “In connection with this incident, we are aware that a criminal ransomware actor has published information allegedly taken from our systems. We continue to investigate the incident. We will be in contact with law enforcement, regulatory authorities and potentially affected parties.”

The company said it was “confident” that the cyberattack did not pose a threat to aircraft or flight safety. However, authorities declined to comment on whether Lockbit took defense or other sensitive data.

Trend Micro found that over the past year, the Lockbit team has increased its cyberattacks around the world. Countries such as the US, India and Brazil are among Lockbit’s common targets.

According to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Lockbit group managed to infiltrate 1,700 US organizations. The Lockbit team, which first appeared on Russian cybercrime forums in January 2020, is also alleged to have attacked the Chinese bank ICBC in recent weeks.