Japan Airlines (JAL), the second-largest airline in Japan, was hit by a cyberattack early this morning, causing significant disruptions to its operations. The breach began at 7:24 AM local time, targeting both internal and external network systems. As a result, ticket sales were halted, and both domestic and international flights were delayed. The airline has urged passengers to regularly check for updates and allow extra time at airports due to the ongoing disruptions.
In response to the attack, JAL issued a travel advisory, advising travelers to stay updated on the situation and prepare for possible delays. However, the airline has not provided specific details about flight cancellations or the timeline for resolution. A JAL spokesperson confirmed that efforts were underway to assess the full extent of the breach and restore operations, but did not elaborate on the scale of the attack.
This cyberattack on JAL is part of a growing trend of cyber threats targeting Japan’s critical infrastructure. In 2022, a similar incident disrupted operations at a major Toyota supplier, halting domestic production for a day. Additionally, in June 2023, Japanese video-sharing platform Niconico experienced a large-scale cyberattack that caused service suspension. These incidents highlight the increasing vulnerability of essential industries to cyberattacks.
The JAL attack also echoes a similar event earlier this year at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where an internet outage caused operational disruptions. These incidents underscore the global risk posed by cyber threats to infrastructure. As JAL continues to recover, the breach serves as a reminder of the need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect critical services and industries worldwide.
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