Boeing Responds to Cyber Incident
Attack Impacts Parts and Distribution
Overt Operator
November 03, 2023
Boeing, the renowned airplane maker, has confirmed that it is actively addressing a cyberattack that has impacted its parts and distribution business. The manufacturing giant revealed that it became aware of the incident last week after being targeted by a notorious ransomware gang.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Boeing assured the public that the cyber incident does not compromise flight safety. A spokesperson for the company stated, "We are aware of a cyber incident impacting elements of our parts and distribution business. We are actively investigating the incident and coordinating with law enforcement and regulatory authorities. We are notifying our customers and suppliers."
The company, however, declined to comment on whether it would consider paying a ransom to the perpetrators. This cyber incident has raised concerns about the potential impact on Boeing's operations and the security of its sensitive data.
Early Thursday morning, one of Boeing's web domains associated with the affected business displayed a message indicating technical issues and being "down." It remains unclear whether this outage is directly linked to the cyberattack. Meanwhile, other parts and distribution sites seem to be functioning normally.
The LockBit ransomware gang, responsible for the attack, added Boeing to its leak site on October 27. The gang issued threats, giving the company a deadline of less than six days to respond. While the extent of data stolen remains undisclosed, the gang refrained from providing samples.
On Monday, Boeing was removed from the ransomware gang's leak site, raising speculation that negotiations between the two parties were underway. Researchers from the malware platform vx-underground claimed to have spoken with members of LockBit, who confirmed ongoing discussions with the company.
Boeing, a multinational corporation generating over $66 billion in revenue last year through the sale of airplane equipment, missiles, satellites, and more, has faced various cybersecurity challenges in the past. This recent cyber incident highlights the growing threat landscape faced by organizations worldwide.
As Boeing continues its investigation into the incident, the company emphasizes its commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities. The affected customers and suppliers are also being promptly notified.
Boeing's ability to swiftly and effectively respond to this cyberattack will be crucial in safeguarding its operations and maintaining trust among its stakeholders. As the investigation unfolds, the company remains dedicated to protecting its valuable data and preventing any further disruptions to its parts and distribution business.