Hackers demand $6 million for stolen Seattle airport files

Photo: An Alaska Airlines plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle

Hackers are demanding $6 million in bitcoin from the operator of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for documents they stole in a cyberattack last month, the Associated Press reported, citing an airport spokesperson.

The Port of Seattle, the government agency that runs the city's port and airport, has decided not to pay the extortionists.

The airport previously linked the attack to a ransomware gang called Rhysida. The FBI is reportedly investigating the cyberattack.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

“They posted a copy of eight files stolen from the port's systems on their dark web site on Monday and are asking for 100 bitcoin to ransom the data,” airport spokesman Lance Little said, without naming the documents. He promised the airport would contact anyone whose personal information may have been stolen.

Port officials said paying off the extortionists would not be a good use of taxpayer money.

The airport is still recovering from the cyberattack, which occurred on Aug. 24. The attack came during a busy period of travel, a week before the Labor Day weekend. Flights continued to operate, but ticket sales were disrupted, as were check-in counters and baggage handling. Passengers of small airlines had to use paper boarding passes.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga