Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports have been targeted by hackers, compromising customer data belonging to millions of passengers. The airports have been "subject to a cybersecurity incident by an unauthorised third party," and customer data, including email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and postcodes, has been accessed.
It is believed that data from 8.7 million customers was breached. Information related to car park, lounge, and Fast Track bookings, as well as in-airport WiFi sign-ups, was also accessed.
Systems accessed do not hold bank details
The systems infiltrated, Manchester Airports Group stated, do not store customers' bank or payment details. The group became aware of the cybersecurity incident on Tuesday (August 25). It is thought to have occurred a few days prior.
The full statement, issued today (27 August) read: "Manchester Airports Group has been subject to a cybersecurity incident by an unauthorised third party."
"A quantity of customer data has been obtained relating to car park, lounge, and Fast Track bookings, and in-airport Wi-Fi sign-ups at Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports."
Operations unaffected and bookings valid
"We immediately contained the risk and have been working with specialist advisors and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems. We have informed and are working with the relevant authorities. At no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised."
The incident has not resulted in any operational disruption. Airport operations remain unaffected, and customer parking services continue to operate normally.
"Neither MAG nor the system accessed hold customers' bank or payment details. The data that has been accessed includes customers' email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and postcodes."
"We would like to reassure customers that Manchester Airport Group takes the security of customer information extremely seriously and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused."
Customers contacted and booking service suspended
Customers hit by the breach have been sent an email. All forthcoming bookings remain valid and are unaffected by this incident, reports the Express.
You do not need to take any action regarding your booking, the group said. As a precautionary measure, access to our online Manage My Booking service has been temporarily suspended, according to a message on the airports group website.
The Manchester Airports Group runs Manchester Airport, London Stansted, and East Midlands.
