Hackers Infiltrate PA Systems at Four North American Airports
Recent unauthorized messages praising Hamas were broadcast through the public address systems at four North American airports. This alarming incident disrupted operations and prompted investigations into the security breaches. The affected airports are located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Kelowna and Victoria in British Columbia; and Windsor, Ontario.
Details of the Incident
On Tuesday, passengers at Harrisburg International Airport reported hearing pro-Palestinian political messages that criticized President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to airport spokesperson Scott Miller, these messages were played by an unauthorized user who gained access to the PA system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently assisting in resolving this breach.
Travelers expressed confusion and concern during the incident. Passenger Glen Brown reflected on the surprising nature of the messages, questioning the extent of the potential security risks involved. Fortunately, during the chaos, there were no immediate threats to airport safety.
Responses from Airport Authorities
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the incident as “absolutely unacceptable,” acknowledging the fear it caused travelers. He assured the public that the FAA was collaborating with Harrisburg officials to investigate the hack. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and local police are also involved in the investigation.
- Harrisburg International Airport: An unauthorized message was broadcast, leading to an aircraft search, which found no security issues.
- Kelowna International Airport: Passengers reported hearing pro-Palestinian chants and noted that staff had to use megaphones due to the PA system being compromised.
- Victoria International Airport: Authorities cited a cloud-based software issue as the reason for the unauthorized audio broadcast.
- Windsor International Airport: Quickly removed unauthorized messages and reported the terminal was otherwise unaffected.
Ongoing Investigations and Cybersecurity Concerns
This incident is part of a larger trend of cyberattacks affecting air travel. In recent months, several airports and airlines have faced hacks that caused significant disruptions. In June, a cybercriminal organization infiltrated computer networks of multiple airlines across North America.
Transport Canada is currently working with law enforcement to assess the situation and improve measures to protect against future incidents. The aim is to ensure the safety and security of airport operations while minimizing disruptions to travel.
As investigations continue, authorities urge airports to enhance their cybersecurity protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The implications of these breaches serve as a reminder of the increasing vulnerabilities present in the aviation sector.
