MAG data breach hits 8.7m airport customers
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) confirmed a cyber-security incident that exposed the personal data of about 8.7 million customers.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) confirmed a cyber-security incident that exposed the personal data of about 8.7 million customers. The breach, discovered on Tuesday, involved contact details, vehicle registrations and postcodes, and the hackers demanded a ransom that MAG refused to pay.
Details of the breach
MAG said the hackers accessed data from its three airports - Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted - over the weekend. The information taken included customer email addresses, vehicle registrations and postcodes. The majority of the data came from passengers signing up for on-site Wi-Fi, while vehicle registrations were obtained from those booking car-park spaces, lounge access or fast-track services. The group stressed that no passenger safety or aviation security was compromised and that the system hacked did not hold customers’ bank or payment details.
| Affected group | Number |
|---|---|
| Customers whose data was accessed | 8.7 million |
| Total people affected (reported) | almost 9 million |
MAG’s response
MAG announced it had only become aware of the incident on Tuesday and immediately contained the risk. The group said it had prevented any further access by the hackers and notified all affected customers. It is working with specialist advisors and has informed the relevant authorities. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) confirmed it was assessing the breach and that anyone concerned could access support on the ICO website.
Customer reactions
Michael Goddard, 71, from Cheshire, said both he and his wife, Julie, 68, had received an email from MAG notifying them that their data had been breached. “I was shocked,” Goddard told reporters. “To find your personal info has been stolen - it is alarming.” He added that the hackers had his postcode and name, making it easy to identify him. Goddard expressed uncertainty about the reassurance offered by MAG and asked for compensation if anything happened.
What customers should do
Customers are urged to remain vigilant about suspicious emails, text messages or phone calls and avoid opening unknown attachments. For more information on how to protect your data, see our stats page. The group’s statement also encouraged users to check the latest updates on our standings page.
