Boeing: Internal data stolen by Russian ransomware has been made public

Internal data for Boeing, one of the largest defense and aerospace companies, was published online by Lockbit, a Russia-linked cybercrime group that specializes in ransomware attacks.

The hackers announced in October that they had stolen a “huge” amount of sensitive Boeing data and threatened to announce it if the company did not pay a ransom by November 2.

Boeing confirmed in a statement that “elements” of its parts and distribution departments were affected in a cyber attack.

The group hit 1,700 targets in the United States

“Criminal ransomware agents released information they claimed was intercepted from our systems,” the company said.

“We are continuing to investigate the incident and remain in contact with law enforcement, regulatory authorities and third parties that may be affected.”

The company still says it is “certain” that the security of planes or flights was compromised, but declined to comment on whether the hackers had access to sensitive data.

Since the Lockbit group appeared on Russian-language hacking forums in 2020, attacks have been recorded around the world, with the United States, India and Brazil being the most affected according to cybersecurity firm Trend Micro.

The company even describes Lockbit as “one of the most professional organized crime rings in the cyber underworld.”

The group struck 1,700 targets in the United States, according to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Last week, the US branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China was hit by a cyberattack that paralyzed transactions, an incident for which initial suspicions fall on Lockbit.