8.7 million affected in UK airport cyber security breach

Airports in the UK have been affected by a cyber security breach <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Airports in the UK have been affected by a cyber security breach (Image: PA)
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A cybersecurity incident has resulted in access to the personal data of about 8.7 million customers at three UK airports.

Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has said the incident affected Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands airports, all operated by MAG.

MAG confirmed that around 8.7 million people may have been affected in the breach, which exposed information such as email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registration details, and postcodes.

It assured customers that their bank and payment details remain safe.

A MAG spokesperson said on Thursday: “Manchester Airports group has been subject to a cyber security incident by an unauthorised third party.

“A quantity of customer data has been obtained that relates to car park, lounge and fast track bookings and in-airport wifi sign-ups at Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports.

“We immediately contained the risk and have been working with specialist advisers and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems.

“We have informed and are working with the relevant authorities. At no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised.

“The incident has not resulted in any operational disruption. Airport operations remain unaffected and customer parking services continue to operate normally.”

MAG emphasised that the breach did not affect airport operations or passenger safety.

The system targeted did not hold financial data, and there has been no impact on flight schedules, airport services, or security procedures.


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MAG said it acted quickly to contain the breach and is working with cybersecurity experts and relevant authorities to investigate the incident and is taking appropriate steps to protect its customers and systems.

The group has apologised to affected customers and is taking appropriate steps to protect customers and systems.

Have you been on holiday via the affected airports so far this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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