News
Beirut Airport Cybersecurity Incident: How It Unfolded
On Sunday January 7, Rafic Hariri International Airport’s screens began displaying political messages instead of flight information.
On Sunday evening, January 7, 2024, Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport experienced a cyber attack that resulted in political messages appearing on its departure and arrival screens, disrupting normal flight information and temporarily halting luggage belt operations.
Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, addressed the public the following day, expressing a commitment to uncovering the perpetrators of the incident and reassuring the public that the airport remained fully operational.
Meanwhile, Fadi El-Hassan, Director General of Civil Aviation, reported that the issues with the airport’s screens had been resolved, and normal functionality had been restored across passenger terminals, including arrival and departure halls.
Despite these developments, official statements from Lebanese authorities regarding the incident were yet to be released, as investigations continued under the oversight of the Lebanese security services, as confirmed by Minister Ali Hamieh.
As of now, no information has surfaced regarding the compromise of airport data, such as flight details, passenger records, or other sensitive information. However, technical experts at SMEX, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing digital human rights across West Asia and North Africa, say that the severity of the cyberattack reveals clues on the motives behind it.
Also Read: The Largest Data Breaches In The Middle East
Members of SMEX’s technical team raised concerns about the cyber breach, stating, “If the perpetrators were able to manipulate screen content and disrupt the Baggage Handling System (BHS), it indicates the possible presence of malware within the compromised system”.
SMEX’s technical experts have also outlined several conceivable scenarios for the attack:
- The breach may have originated from the airport’s internal network, possibly involving the installation of malicious software by an individual with insider access to the airport’s systems.
- Another possibility is the compromise of an employee’s device through social engineering or a phishing attack, typically delivered via email or other deceptive means.
- An employee with privileged system access might have been coerced or manipulated through blackmail, bribery, or threats, facilitating unauthorized entry into the airport’s systems.
Lebanese authorities have yet to pinpoint the root cause of the airport cyberattack, leaving room for speculation about potential sources, which may include internal, external, or even governmental actors.
News
NEOM Announces Breathtaking Luxury Waterfront Development
The residential community will offer a wealth of living, dining, and entertainment options, along with a stunning marina and international school.
The board of Saudi Arabia’s special economic zone, NEOM, has revealed plans for a new development named Jaumur. The project will see the creation of a “cosmopolitan luxury community” nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.
According to a recent press release, the luxury residential community will “serve the highest standards of future livability and active lifestyle [offering] a unique blend of experiences on both land and sea, complementing NEOM’s evolving regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia”.
Jaumur will include 500 apartments and 700 luxury villas clustered around a marina that will become home to 6,000 lucky residents. The location will offer private moorings and easy waterfront access, along with a selection of upscale hotels with a combined capacity of 350 suites.
The marina itself is a dramatic focal point of the development, featuring a colossal 1.5km covered mooring area in the shape of an aerofoil. The cantilevered structure not only forms a breathtaking landmark but will also be able to shelter the world’s largest superyachts.
The marina promenade promises to be a lively, vibrant area featuring a host of entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences, along with upscale retail stores and world-class restaurants.
Also Read: Dubai Gives Go Ahead For $35 Billion Al Maktoum Airport Expansion
Although Jaumur is very much a place for sophisticated living and relaxation, the development will also incorporate a “state-of-the-art deep-sea research center and top-tier international boarding school”. Planners hope to attract world-leading oceanographic researchers as well as elite students to this unique location.
We’ll leave the final words about this exciting development to NEOM’s press department: “Jaumur’s unique architectural design integrates water where golden sands meet the deep blue of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is a luxury destination to visit, explore, live, and prosper: an opportunity to become part of a dynamic community”.
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