Several US air travel websites become inaccessible after cyber-attack threat from Russian hacktivist group

At least 13 air travel websites in the US, including two of the busiest airports, were made defunct after a cyber-attack threat from a Russian hacktivist group called the 'Killnet'. The operations of the airport remain unaffected on the ground.

The group has also targeted US websites like Colorado.gov and Knetucky.gov before. Killnet launches a cyber-attack by overloading a website with internet traffic. The group actively participates on Telegram, encouraging fellow Russian supporters with entry-level hacker skills to join them.

A list of 49 websites for a potential attack was posted, which included airports of the Atlanta International, Montogomery, Alabama, Los Angeles International, Long Beach, California, etc. However, it was also observed that their targets lacked an understanding of US airports. For instance, it listed Chicago’s general air travel website, flychicago.com but missed out on significant airports like O’Hare International or Midway International.

FAQs:

1. Why were a few US air travel websites not functioning?
   A Russian hacktivist group called the ‘Killnet’ had caused a few disruptions on US air travel websites.
2. Are US airports functioning normally?
   Yes, the cyber-attacks have not caused any disruptions in airport operations.
3. How does the Russian hacktivist group launch cyber-attacks?
   The group specializes in Distributed Denial of Service Attacks, which overloads a website with internet traffic.
4. Where does the group post its list of potential targets?
   The group makes use of Telegram to post lists of potential targets.