Boeing falls prey to hackers. Cybercriminals demand ransom

The cybercriminal group, known as LockBit, who claims responsibility for the attack, has published a statement on its website: "Sensitive data has been stolen and is prepared for publication".

LockBit ranks as one of the globe's most active hacker groups, specializing particularly in ransomware attacks. These attacks encompass illegal activity such as the implantation of malicious software onto the computer systems of victims. This intervention restricts the users' access to their systems or personal files. Consequently, the hackers demand a pay-off from the victims, assuring that this will regrant access to the blocked resources. Noncompliance with the payment request will result in the public release of the stolen data.

A representative from American service Cybernews was in contact with a Boeing spokesperson, who issued a concise statement on Friday, October 27th: "We are currently assessing this claim".

LockBit refrained from disclosing the volume of data purportedly stolen from Boeing. Nonetheless, the cybercriminals highlighted in their message that the US aerospace corporation is a global leader in aerospace and space technology. They further outlined its business scope, as it designs, builds, sells, services, and maintains:

• commercial aircraft,
• military aircraft,
• satellites,
• missile defense systems and services,
• space travel systems,
• launch services worldwide.

This is not the first instance where LockBit, recognized as the world's most perilous hacker collective, has sought to extort money from high-profile corporations or claimed to target entities affiliated with the arm's industry. It is also crucial to note that Mikhail Matveev is a leading figure in the group. This individual features on the FBI's most-wanted list as a result of attacks on around 1,400 targets globally.