On Saturday, several airports across Europe and the globe faced a cyber attack, causing considerable inconvenience and disruption. The cyber attack abruptly halted automatic processes, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
Most airport operations rely heavily on automation. However, on Saturday, airports like Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin experienced a cybersecurity breach that crippled the check-in system. Consequently, countries in Europe had to resort to manual check-ins and boarding lists, a practice reminiscent of years past.
Attack on Muse Software
The cybercriminals targeted the Muse software, disrupting numerous airport operations. This resulted in flight delays and cancellations across various airports.
The BBC reported that RTX company acknowledged the cyber issue and promptly addressed it. They confirmed that their Muse software, provided by Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, was affected.
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What is Muse Software?
The Muse software is a passenger processing system enabling airlines to utilize a single check-in and boarding gate. Simply put, airline companies conduct check-ins and boarding using a unified hardware system.
Saving Both Time and Money
With Muse software, airlines do not need additional staff for check-ins and boarding. However, when the system was down, there weren’t enough staff to handle manual check-ins, creating a chaotic situation.
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Passengers Endured Long Queues
Post the disruption, passengers faced long queues for check-ins and boarding. In response, companies had to hastily revert to manual operations. Staff prepared boarding lists manually using phones, causing significant delays and long wait times for passengers.
