Canadian WestJet App Compromised Due To A Cyber Attack , Carrier Assures Passengers Of Safe Flight Operations.

• Calgary based WestJet notified the public on July 13, that the airline had a cybersecurity breach into internal systems and into the WestJet App.
• The Cyber attack has restricted access for several users, with many reporting difficulties logging into the WestJet app and some internal services.
• Despite these disruptions, WestJet assures the public that all flight operations remain safe and unaffected by the incident.
• Both WestJet customers and staff are being advised to take extra caution around the sharing of personal details, following the breach. 

WestJet has issued an advisory statement about a "cyber incident." that affected the airline's systems and applications. The situation is being investigated by the Ministry of Transport of Canada at this time.

Canada's second-largest carrier, is updating the details and developments on the cyberattack that has disrupted access to some internal systems in a response to the breach.

"WestJet is aware of a cybersecurity incident involving internal systems and the WestJet app, which has restricted access for several users," reads a security advisory on WestJet's site.

The Calgary-based airline said that a cyberattack resulted in “limited access” to its app for passengers trying to use WestJet services.

The airline said in a press release that it is “making every effort” to ensure customer safety and “protect sensitive data and personal information.” WestJet added that

“it is too early to draw any conclusions about the details.”

Customers and employees are urged to exercise extra caution when sharing personal information during this period. WestJet has apologized for the inconvenience and is expediting efforts to restore full service and protect sensitive data.

"We are expediting efforts to maintain the safety of our operation and safeguard sensitive data and personal information for both our guests and employees, and we apologize to all guests for any disruption to their access to WestJet's services."

The attack also prevented users from logging into the website and mobile app, with those services now restored.

A Saturday morning update says the company's operation continues to run safely, but the attack has impacted access to some of its software and services.

It is not yet revealed if the loss of access to its systems was caused by a ransomware attack that encrypted those devices or if they shut them to prevent the spread of the breach.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation have not revealed further details on the incident. As stated in the WestJet press release, the company "commits to updating information about the incident every 12 hours."

“We have deployed specialized internal teams in collaboration with law enforcement and Transport Canada to investigate this matter and minimize the impact.”