The Port of Seattle experienced a possible cyberattack on Saturday, impacting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, phone systems, and websites. The outage was first reported on Saturday morning and was described as an “internet and web systems outage.” Seattle-Tacoma International Airport later confirmed the outage and suggested travelers check with their airlines for travel information. The Port continued to see system outages throughout the day and advised travelers to use airline apps for boarding passes and tags online and allow extra time for travel.
On Sunday morning, the outages at Sea-Tac Airport were still ongoing, with no estimated time for return. Travelers were advised to check in for flights online and carry their luggage on. Flights were canceled both on Saturday and Sunday, but it was unclear if flight delays were directly impacted by the cyberattack. The Transportation Security Administration assured that there was no impact to its operations at the security checkpoint and that they were screening passengers as usual.
The Port and airport websites were still down on Sunday morning, and the Maritime Facilities phone systems were also affected by the outage. This incident comes just a month after a flawed update from cybersecurity software company CrowdStrike caused a global IT disruption that affected Sea-Tac and airports nationwide. President Biden signed an executive order earlier in the year to strengthen cybersecurity at ports across America due to heightened concerns from foreign hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure. The Port of Houston was targeted by suspected nation-state hackers in 2021, and the Seattle Public Library is still recovering from a ransomware attack in May.
The cyberattack at the Port of Seattle highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks. The Port’s ongoing system outages have impacted travelers at Sea-Tac Airport, leading to flight cancellations and potential delays. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance and readiness to address cybersecurity threats in an increasingly digital world where reliance on technology is growing. The response to the cyberattack at the Port and airport demonstrates the coordinated effort required to manage such disruptions and minimize their impact on operations and passengers.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, organizations must remain proactive in implementing robust cybersecurity measures to defend against potential cyberattacks. President Biden’s executive order to enhance cybersecurity at ports in America reflects the government’s recognition of the urgent need to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The incident at the Port of Seattle serves as a reminder for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in technologies and practices that can help prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats effectively. By understanding the evolving threat landscape and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks, organizations can better protect themselves from cyberattacks and ensure the continuity of their operations in the face of potential disruptions.
