The Port of Seattle, which also operates the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, reported a potential cyberattack that disrupted its systems. The port first noted the outages on Saturday morning through social media, with the airport subsequently posting about experiencing certain system outages "indicating a possible cyberattack." Late Saturday evening, the airport confirmed ongoing issues: "There is not an estimated time for return and Port teams continue to work to restore full service."
The Port of Seattle, including SEA Airport, continues to experience system outages. There is no estimated timeframe for restoration, with Port teams working tirelessly to regain full service.
As of Sunday morning Pacific time, the Port of Seattle’s public-facing web infrastructure—comprising its website and other online services—remained offline or partially operational, according to a TechCrunch review of its DNS records. Earlier this year, during the Biden administration, the U.S. government issued an executive order aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures for ports.
This incident follows less than a month after a CrowdStrike software update caused a global IT outage, resulting in flight cancellations and delays across the skies. Additional details about the nature of the potential cyberattack are still under investigation.
Background on Cybersecurity Measures
The Port of Seattle has been actively working to strengthen its cybersecurity protocols following this incident. Earlier this year, during the Biden administration, the U.S. government issued an executive order designed to improve the cybersecurity resilience of ports and other critical infrastructure.
The Impact of Previous Incidents
Prior to this event, the port had already faced challenges in 2023 when aCrowdStrike software update caused widespread disruptions. This incident underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for protecting sensitive systems and ensuring smooth operations at critical facilities like airports and seaports.
Response from Airport Authority
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been closely monitoring the situation and has taken steps to mitigate the impact on travelers. The airport encourages passengers to use airline apps for boarding passes and baggage tags, as well as to allow extra time when approaching their gates. Updates will be provided through official channels as more information becomes available.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked concerns about the port’s ability to protect its systems from cyber threats. Many onlookers have expressed skepticism about whether such a large-scale cyberattack is feasible, given the port’s limited resources and expertise in cybersecurity.
Lessons Learned
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. While the immediate impact has been significant, ongoing efforts to enhance security measures will help mitigate future disruptions.
Zack Whittaker
Anthony Ha is TechCrunch’s weekend editor. Previously, he worked as a tech reporter at Adweek, a senior editor at VentureBeat, a local government reporter at the Hollister Free Lance, and vice president of content at a VC firm. He lives in New York City.
Previous Incidents and Their Impact
In 2023, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport experienced significant disruptions due to aCrowdStrike software update. This incident caused widespread flight cancellations and delays across the skies, highlighting vulnerabilities in airport IT infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Measures for Ports
The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of cybersecurity measures for ports and other critical infrastructure. Efforts are being made to ensure that these facilities can withstand cyberattacks and resume operations quickly if compromised.
Response from Airport Authority
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been actively working with the Port of Seattle to address system outages and restore full service as soon as possible.
The Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have faced a significant challenge in recent weeks, with potential cyberattacks causing widespread disruptions. From website and phone systems to critical airport operations, the impact has been felt across the board.
While efforts are underway to mitigate the situation, ongoing monitoring and enhanced cybersecurity measures will be essential for ensuring uninterrupted service in the future. Passengers are advised to stay informed through official channels and allow extra time when approaching their gates.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity infrastructure at ports and other critical facilities.
