A prolific hacking group known as Scattered Spider is targeting airlines and the transportation sector, according to a warning issued by the FBI and cybersecurity firms. The hackers, typically English-speaking teenagers and young adults, are financially motivated and use deception tactics such as social engineering and phishing to gain access to company networks.
The FBI has observed cyberattacks resembling Scattered Spider in the airline sector, while Google’s Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 have also witnessed similar attacks. The hackers may target large corporations and their third-party IT providers, putting anyone in the airline ecosystem at risk.
At least two airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and WestJet, have reported cyberattacks this month. WestJet’s incident is linked to Scattered Spider, according to media reports. This new wave of attacks comes after the group targeted the UK retail sector and insurance industry previously, breaking into hotel chains, casinos, and technology giants.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/28/fbi-cybersecurity-firms-say-scattered-spider-hackers-now-targeting-airlines-transportation-sector