[BreachExchange] Cyber-attack causes aircraft parts maker to close indefinitely

[Destry Winant]

https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/business/technology/58373/cyber-attack-causes-aircraft-parts-maker-to-close-indefinitely-asco/

Asco, a Zaventem-based manufacturer of aircraft parts, has confirmed
news that it has shut down operations following a cyber-attack on the
company’s servers.

According to Data News, Asco has shut down its base in Zaventem, as
well as operations in other countries, following a breach of security.
About 1,000 people are currently on technical unemployment until the
company resumes operations. Technical unemployment allows workers to
claim temporary unemployment benefits when they are put out of work
for a limited period, by circumstances beyond their control. Union
representatives Jan Baetens told De Standaard, “when the technical
problems are sorted out, we want to look together with management to
see if they can’t pay out a supplement to compensate the workers for
their loss of earnings.”

Asco is originally a Belgian company, but was taken over last year by
US company Spirit AeroSystems, with the merger being approved by the
EU competition authorities in March. The company now has a presence in
the US and Canada, and in Germany as well as Belgium.

Having initially declined to give details other than to confirm the
attack, Asco later told Data News that it was dealing with what is
called ransomware – a type of malware which shuts down the victim’s
system until they pay for a key which will allow them to resume
operations.

Immediately following the attack, Asco called in internal and external
experts who are currently busy examining the situation to see what can
be done. The company also notified the authorities, and told the paper
there is currently no evidence of the theft of information, but that
it is taking the situation very seriously.

Although ransomware attacks are usually only about money, a company
like Asco, which has connections in the defence sector, could also be
a target for computer espionage.

The company is expected to be out of action for the rest of today at
least, according to Asco HR director Vicky Welvaert.