The incident began at 7:24 a.m. local time, affecting JAL’s internal and external network systems. The airline identified the cause as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which overwhelms systems with excessive data traffic, leading to malfunctions. In response, JAL temporarily shut down a router to mitigate the issue. By late morning, 24 domestic flights had been delayed by more than 30 minutes. Ticket sales for both domestic and international flights scheduled for the day were suspended but resumed several hours later. Importantly, there were no reports of flight safety being compromised or customer data leaks.
This cyberattack occurred during Japan’s year-end holiday season, a peak travel period when millions journey to their hometowns for New Year’s celebrations. Passengers at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport experienced crowded terminals and disruptions. Other Japanese airlines, including ANA Holdings, Skymark, and Starflyer, reported no similar issues.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the transport ministry has instructed JAL to expedite system restoration and assist affected passengers. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about Japan’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities, especially as the nation enhances its defense capabilities and collaborates more closely with international partners. Experts have emphasized the need for improved cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.
In recent years, Japan has faced several cyberattacks targeting key sectors. In June 2024, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) reported a series of cyberattacks, though sensitive information remained secure. Additionally, in 2023, a cyberattack disrupted operations at a container terminal in Nagoya for three days.
The aviation industry globally has been increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Earlier this week, American Airlines experienced a technical glitch due to a network hardware issue, leading to a brief grounding of all flights and affecting thousands of travelers on Christmas Eve.
As airlines continue to digitize operations and enhance customer experiences through technology, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. The JAL incident serves as a critical reminder of the vulnerabilities present in modern aviation infrastructure and the necessity for continuous vigilance against cyber threats.
Source: Web Team, C6N
