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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.

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beirut airport cybersecurity incident how it unfolded

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.

beirut airport cyberattack january 2024

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.

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Yango Ride Expands Corporate Transport Service In Abu Dhabi

Known as Yango Rides for Business, the solution aims to simplify business travel management for companies operating across Emirates.

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yango ride expands corporate transport service in abu dhabi

Yango Ride, a global ride-hailing service under the Yango Group, has extended its corporate transport solution, Yango Rides for Business, to Abu Dhabi. Initially launched in Dubai in 2024, the company is now expanding in a bid to simplify business travel for companies operating between both Emirates.

Yango Rides for Business offers a streamlined way to handle employee transportation through a single platform. Instead of dealing with the hassle of prepayments or reimbursement claims, businesses will be able to consolidate all ride expenses under a single corporate account that’s billed monthly. The setup makes it easier to track spending while ensuring expenses remain fully tax-deductible.

A key advantage of the service is its flexibility, allowing managers to set ride permissions and budget limits for employees and clients. Businesses can tailor transport solutions based on team needs — whether for daily commutes or specific travel requirements. Additionally, a dedicated account management system provides real-time analytics, enabling firms to monitor usage patterns and optimize costs.

Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Middle East, highlighted the importance of this expansion, explaining: “Abu Dhabi’s 4.5% economic growth in Q3 2024 reflects a thriving business environment where seamless mobility is essential for productivity. Yango Rides for Business simplifies corporate transportation, reducing administrative tasks and optimizing costs. By providing a centralized solution, we help companies ensure smooth employee travel experiences, supporting efficiency and growth in this dynamic market”.

Also Read: Dubai Teams Up With Elon Musk’s Boring Company For “Dubai Loop”

Meanwhile, Ivan Kaplunovich, Head of Yango Rides for Business, emphasized the benefits of the service, adding: “Today’s businesses need to balance cost efficiency with flexibility in a fast-changing environment. Yango Rides for Business gives companies a seamless way to manage corporate transportation — from controlling expenses and booking rides to simplifying billing and generating custom reports. With this level of flexibility, businesses can stay focused on growth, innovation, and delivering value”.

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