Aeroflot , Russia 's largest airline , has been shut down by a widespread cyberattack . The attack resulted in the cancellation of dozens of flights across the country, causing chaos for passengers and a blow to the Russian aviation system .
The pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow , in collaboration with Belarusian digital activists, claimed responsibility . The group announced via Telegram that it had gained access to critical internal Aeroflot systems and extracted terabytes of data , destroying the company’s files and operating environments. Screenshots published by the group suggest access to active internal user lists .
See also: Ukraine: Hackers breached Russian Tupolev
Aeroflot's official website was temporarily down, displaying a shutdown message, while images from Russian airports recorded massive flight cancellations.
Russian prosecutors confirmed the incident, stating that at least 60 flights were canceled due to a coordinated cyberattack.
Cyberwar in progress: The skies become a target
The cyberattack on Aeroflot is just one more episode in the growing digital conflict between pro-Ukrainian groups and the Russian state, especially since the invasion of Ukraine. Air transport — traditionally one of the most vulnerable but also critical industries — has now emerged as a strategic target. With a hit to the servers, chaos spreads through the ether, affecting national infrastructure, economic activity and the daily lives of thousands of citizens.
See also: Hackers target Russian companies with EAGLET backdoor
Silent Crow, known for its cyberattacks on Russian government and military targets, appears to be evolving into one of the most organized cyber-resistance mechanisms, aiming to undermine the Russian state apparatus. Their methods include encrypting or deleting data, publishing sensitive files , and disrupting high-value operations, as demonstrated in the case of Aeroflot.
Risk to digital aviation security worldwide
The cyberattack highlights the need for digital shielding for airlinesworldwide. Airline infrastructure now relies almost entirely on software for reservations, flight management, internal communications and security. A targeted digital attack can "freeze" a chain of operations, affecting thousands of passengers — and national security, since it is a state-owned carrier.
See also: Batavia spyware targets businesses in Russia
Strategic impact and geopolitical message
The choice of target is not accidental. Aeroflot is one of the most emblematic organizations of modern Russia and is a key link for the movement of military and state personnel. The paralysis of its operation is both a practical blow and a symbolic challenge to the Russian regime, indicating the vulnerability of its technological infrastructure.
Source: techcrunch.com
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