A major cyberattack on the night of Friday, September 19, 2025, threw air travel into chaos across Europe, causing significant flight delays and cancellations at several busy airports, including Brussels, London Heathrow, and Berlin.
The attack didn't directly hit the airports but instead targeted the system of Collins Aerospace, a crucial third-party service provider. This company operates the MUSE software responsible for electronic check-in and boarding systems used by numerous airlines.
When the automated systems went dark, airports were forced to resort to slow, inefficient manual check-in and boarding procedures.
The immediate fallout:
- Brussels Airport reported a "large impact," with many flights experiencing long delays and cancellations.
- Travelers faced massive queues and were advised to check their flight status with their airlines and arrive much earlier than usual.
Collins Aerospace confirmed the "cyber-related disruption" and said its teams were working urgently to restore the systems, though the switch to manual processes ensured a severely disrupted travel day.
Now, let's come to see - Top 6
Cyber Attacks in the World So Far That Changed Digital Security security
In the today’s
digital world, cyber-attacks are no longer rare incidents. Once it happens, it quickly starts appearing in the trending news. From governments to
small businesses and even ordinary users, everyone has become a potential
target. Over the years, several major cyber-attacks have shocked the world,
exposed serious security gaps, and forced organizations to rethink how they
protect data. These attacks were not just about money; many disrupted services,
compromised sensitive information, and even affected national security.
Below are
six of the most impactful cyber-attacks the world has ever witnessed so far. I am trying to explain this in a clear and easy to understand way.
1.
WannaCry Ransomware Attack
The
WannaCry ransomware attack was one of the most devastating cyber incidents in
history. It spread rapidly across multiple countries by exploiting a
vulnerability in outdated Windows systems. Once infected, computers were
locked, and users were asked to pay ransom in cryptocurrency to regain access
to their data.
What made
this attack especially dangerous was its speed. Hospitals, banks, railway
systems, and government offices were affected within hours. In some places,
medical services were disrupted, putting lives at risk. The attack highlighted
the importance of regular software updates and basic cybersecurity hygiene.
2.
NotPetya Cyber Attack
Initially
disguised as ransomware, NotPetya turned out to be far more destructive. Unlike
typical ransomware, data encrypted by NotPetya could not be recovered, even
after paying the ransom. Its main purpose appeared to be destruction rather
than profit.
Large
companies across Europe and beyond faced massive operational shutdowns.
Shipping, logistics, and manufacturing were severely impacted, causing billions
in losses. This attack proved that cyber warfare can be just as damaging as
physical conflicts and that businesses must prepare for worst-case scenarios.
3.
Yahoo Data Breach
One of the
largest data breaches ever recorded involved Yahoo, where information from
billions of user accounts was compromised over multiple years. Personal details
such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and security questions were
exposed.
The breach
damaged user trust and significantly affected the company’s reputation and
valuation. It also served as a wake-up call for tech companies to take user
data protection seriously and invest more in encryption and security
monitoring.
4.
Equifax Data Breach
The
Equifax breach exposed highly sensitive financial data, including Social
Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses of millions of individuals. This
information is especially dangerous because it can be used for identity theft
and financial fraud.
The
incident occurred due to a known vulnerability that was not patched in time.
This attack emphasized how a single ignored update can lead to massive
consequences. It also sparked global discussions about corporate responsibility
and data privacy laws.
5.
SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack
The
SolarWinds attack was unique because it targeted the software supply chain
rather than individual users. Hackers inserted malicious code into a trusted
software update, which was then unknowingly installed by thousands of
organizations worldwide.
Government
agencies and major corporations were affected, making this attack one of the
most sophisticated ever discovered. It showed that even trusted software
vendors can become attack vectors, pushing organizations to rethink trust
models and monitoring strategies.
6.
Colonial Pipeline Attack
This
attack demonstrated how cyber incidents can directly impact daily life. A
ransomware attack forced the shutdown of a major fuel pipeline, leading to fuel
shortages and panic buying in several regions.
Although
the attack targeted digital systems, its effects were felt in the physical
world. It highlighted how critical infrastructure systems are vulnerable and
why cybersecurity is not just an IT issue but a national priority.
Why
These Attacks Matter Today
Each of
these cyber attacks revealed different weaknesses - outdated systems, poor security patch
management, lack of monitoring of the system, and over-reliance on the trust. Together, they
reshaped how governments and organizations approach the cybersecurity.
In today's world, businesses are investing more in employee awareness, stronger security frameworks, and faster incident response plans. Regular backups, security patches, timely updates, and cautious online behavior are no longer optional - they are essential part of the day to day activity. Some organizations have also shifted to automation for incident management using various software tools. If you try to access anything on an office laptop that is outside the defined rules, access may be restricted.