A major cybersecurity incident that targeted several European airports, including London's Heathrow, has led to the arrest of a man in his forties. The National Crime Agency confirmed the arrest following an attack that compromised key IT systems used for passenger processing.
The suspect was detained in the North West of England as part of an ongoing investigation into the sophisticated cyber attack. Security sources indicate the breach affected critical infrastructure at multiple airports across Europe, causing significant disruption to passenger services.
Widespread Airport Disruption
The cyber attack targeted systems responsible for passenger processing and flight operations, creating delays and operational challenges at affected airports. While Heathrow confirmed it was among the targets, officials emphasized that passenger safety was never compromised.
Aviation security experts have been working around the clock to restore systems and investigate the full extent of the breach. The incident has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of critical transportation infrastructure to cyber threats.
International Investigation Underway
Law enforcement agencies across Europe are collaborating to determine the scope of the attack and identify any additional suspects. The National Crime Agency's Cyber Crime Unit is leading the UK investigation, working closely with international partners.
"This arrest demonstrates our commitment to tackling cyber crime that targets essential national infrastructure," a spokesperson for the agency stated.
Authorities have not yet revealed the specific methods used in the attack or whether any passenger data was accessed during the security breach. The investigation continues as cybersecurity teams work to strengthen defences against future attacks.
