Authorities on both sides of the border are investigating after hackers seized public-address systems and in some cases, flight-information displays at four North American airports: Kelowna (YLW) and Victoria (YYJ) in British Columbia, Windsor (YQG) in Ontario, and Harrisburg (MDT) in Pennsylvania. Airports reported unauthorized political audio blaring over terminal speakers; at Kelowna, terminal screens were also defaced, briefly showing messages before staff cut the feed. Operations safety wasn’t affected, though some departures were delayed while systems were reset and security checks were performed.
Kelowna officials said a third party gained access to both its flight-information display and PA systems; the airport removed the content within minutes and began restoring the PA network. Provincial and federal agencies, including Transport Canada and local police, are assisting.
At Harrisburg, the airport confirmed an unauthorized recording was broadcast over the PA; one boarding flight was briefly deplaned for a precautionary sweep before departing. No threats were made and the incident is under police investigation.
Regional outlets also reported similar PA intrusions at Victoria and Windsor, with officials stressing there was no impact on air traffic control or flight safety. The incidents highlight a growing cyber risk around airport “operational tech” systems, like PAs and information screens, that sit adjacent to, but separate from, safety-critical networks.
Sources: CBC, CNN
Image: Global News
