Boeing hit by WannaCry computer virus

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing was hit by the WannaCry computer virus on Wednesday, but the attack was stopped with minimal damage, according to the company.

The WannaCry virus, which exploits a flaw in Windows software, gains access to networks and locks users out of their data. It encrypts their files before ostensibly demanding a ransom, although there isn’t in fact any way to pay.

Like the NotPetya attack that brought down TNT and Maersk last year, it seems that the purpose of the virus is principally to cause disruption.

Initially there were fears that manufacturing equipment would be affected. Mike VanderWel, a chief engineer, sent out an alert entitled “All hands on deck”, warning that the virus could affect automated assembly tools and equipment used in the functional testing of aeroplanes.

But the team managed to contain the virus to a small number of computers.

“We’ve done a final assessment,” said Linda Mills, head of communications for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The vulnerability was limited to a few machines. We deployed software patches. There was no interruption to the 777 jet program or any of our programs.”

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Mills reassured staff and customers that it was not a production and delivery issue, and that there was no significant damage caused as a result of the attack.

(Source: The Seattle Times)