January 8, 2024 at 01:22PM
Hackers defaced flight information displays at Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon, criticizing Hezbollah and Iran. The messages also disrupted the baggage handling system. The Christian Lebanese group, Soldiers of God, denied any involvement. Security experts noted the vulnerability of flight display systems to hacking. A cybersecurity firm highlighted potential chaos if flight gates were manipulated.
Based on the meeting notes, it seems that the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Lebanon experienced a cyberattack on Jan. 7, where hackers defaced the flight information display systems with messages criticizing Hezbollah, the Lebanese Islamist political party and militant group, as well as Iran. This attack also disrupted the airport’s baggage handling system, leading to increased reliance on police dogs during baggage inspection checks.
The attack was allegedly carried out in the name of a Christian Lebanese group called Soldiers of God, which criticized Iran and Hezbollah for potentially provoking a conflict with Israel. However, the group denied any involvement in the hack. Some sources suggest that Israel might be behind the attack, but further investigation is needed for attribution.
The vulnerability of the flight information systems is highlighted by security experts, who explain that these systems are easily hackable due to the absence of security controls and the use of standard Windows applications. This highlights the need for robust security in aviation-related systems to prevent potentially more disruptive cyberattacks in the future.
Overall, the cyberattack on Beirut’s main international airport underscores the importance of enhancing security measures in aviation systems to prevent potential chaos and ensure the safety and smooth operation of airports.