Japan Airlines (JAL) announced on Thursday that it had fallen victim to a cyber attack, warning that the incident could affect flight operations, though specific details were not yet provided.
“We can confirm that we have been subjected to a cyber attack and are addressing the situation,” a JAL spokeswoman told media.
She added that the attack is “likely to have an impact on flight operations,” cautioning that delays and cancellations might occur. However, she said the airline was not yet able to specify the extent or nature of potential disruptions.
JAL, Japan’s second-largest airline after All Nippon Airways (ANA), joins a growing list of Japanese companies targeted by cyber attacks.
In 2022, a cyber attack on a Toyota supplier disrupted operations, forcing the automaker to suspend production at domestic plants for a day. More recently, in June, the popular video-sharing platform Niconico temporarily suspended its services following a large-scale cyber attack, according to its operator.
Cybersecurity has become an increasing concern for Japanese corporations, with high-profile incidents highlighting vulnerabilities across various industries. Experts have noted that while Japan has been investing in improving its cybersecurity measures, the sophistication and frequency of attacks are rising.
The impact on Japan Airlines could ripple across the aviation sector, especially during a period of post-pandemic recovery when airlines are striving to meet heightened travel demands. With its extensive domestic and international network, JAL’s operational disruptions may affect thousands of passengers.
Authorities and cybersecurity experts are likely to investigate the breach to identify the attackers and assess potential data or system damage. The incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks, particularly for critical infrastructure and industries handling sensitive customer information.
This attack follows a global trend of cyber threats targeting aviation, manufacturing, and digital services, often with financial or geopolitical motivations. Governments and businesses in Japan are expected to collaborate further on strategies to strengthen defenses against such incidents.
JAL has urged passengers to monitor updates and stay informed about potential delays or cancellations via its website and official communication channels. Meanwhile, the airline continues to work on mitigating the attack’s impact and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.
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