Cyber attack disrupts Aeroflot operations and cancels flights

On July 28, 2025, Russia's largest airline, Aeroflot, faced significant operational challenges following a cyber attack attributed to a pro-Ukraine hacking group known as Silent Crow. The attack resulted in the cancellation of at least 42 scheduled flights, primarily domestic journeys within Russia. Aeroflot's officials acknowledged a failure in their technological systems but did not provide detailed information on when full operational capacity might be restored. They urged passengers to stay updated on service disruptions via airport websites and public announcements. The cyber attack is notable in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Silent Crow, in collaboration with another group called Cyber Partisans BY based in Belarus, claimed responsibility for the breach. They asserted that they had been infiltrating Aeroflot's corporate network for approximately a year, meticulously gaining access to vital systems. As a result of the attack, Silent Crow reportedly destroyed about 7,000 servers belonging to Aeroflot and compromised its corporate computer structure. The hackers threatened to release personal data of all Russians who have ever flown with the airline, escalating the severity of the situation. The Russian prosecutor general's office has initiated a criminal investigation into these events to determine the full scope of the attack and its implications for national security. The implications of this cyber attack extend beyond Aeroflot itself, as it raises concerns about the vulnerability of infrastructure amid current hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The incident also follows a troubling trend of cyber attacks targeting aviation and other sectors, as demonstrated by previous breaches experienced by international airlines like Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines. As critical travel infrastructure faces growing vulnerabilities, these events highlight the increasing necessity for robust cybersecurity measures across the industry.