Cybersecurity companies are warning that the prolific hacking group known as the scattered spiders is currently targeting the airlines and transportation sector.
Executives from Google's cybersecurity unit Mandiant and the Security Research Unit 42 of Palo Alto Networks said they observed cyberattacks targeting the aviation industry, which resembles scattered spider.
Scattered spiders are primarily a group of English-speaking hackers, usually teenagers and young adults, who are financially motivated to steal and force sensitive data from corporate networks. Hackers are also known for their deception tactics, which often rely on social engineering, phishing and threats of violence against businesses.
The warning comes as at least two airlines have reported break-ins this month.
Hawaiian Airlines said late Thursday it was working to secure its systems after a cyberattack. Westjet, Canada's second-largest airline, reported a cyberattack on June 13th, which remains unresolved. Media reports link the Westjet incident to scattered spiders.
This fresh wave of scattered spider attacks comes shortly after cybercrime gangs target the UK retail and insurance industries. Hackers have previously been divided into hotel chains, casinos and tech giants.