Pro-Russia Hackers Claim DDOS Attacks Against US Airport Websites
KillNet is an openly pro-Russia “hacktivist” group thought to have formed shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On Monday morning, the group posted a list of US airport websites to its Telegram channel, using the header “Your way out hackers, the list below is for you!” Just a few hours later, KillNet posted a screenshot from The Hunger Games movie franchise with the text “Let the Hunger Games begin in USA 2022.”
As with any DDoS attack, the group appears to have been using its own software to flood airports’ websites with artificial traffic, resulting in temporary incapacitation. Target websites are unavailable for extended periods of time, intermittently unavailable, or extremely slow to load. Some that have recovered from the attack (like ATL) now have firewalls inspecting individual requests before allowing users to access the domain.
While in-person airport operations have reportedly remained stable, the incapacitated websites likely made it difficult for travelers and their families to look up flight information, use online maps to navigate affected airports, or sort out their transportation plans. Some airport websites also help travelers book flights and obtain parking passes, meaning the attacks were not without economic impact.
KillNet, like most hacktivist groups, is not knowingly associated with any Russian government entity. That said, these DDoS attacks are believed to be the group’s latest attempt to “punish” the US for providing Ukraine with weapons and intelligence over the last several months. A few days ago KillNet attacked several US government websites, including Colorado’s state web portal, Mississippi’s state website, and Kentucky’s Board of Elections website, using similar measures. None of the attacks resulted in lasting damage, and all three sites are working normally at the time of writing.
Continue reading
Report: Samsung May Kill Galaxy Note Series, Add Stylus to Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung may be planning a major shift in its smartphone strategy in 2021. According to a recent analyst report, Samsung may drop the popular Galaxy Note family in favor of a foldable with a stylus. The problem, it seems, is that the Note series isn't as popular as it once was.
Microsoft Adds 64-bit x86 Emulation to Windows on ARM
Microsoft announced today that the expected support for 64-bit x86 emulation on Windows on ARM devices has arrived, provided you are running Build 21277. You'll need to be part of Microsoft's Windows Insider program to test the build.
Tesla Revamps Model S Sedan Inside and Out, Adds 520-Mile Version
The new model starts at $79,990 for the dual-motor Model S Long Range and runs up to a $139,900 Plaid+ edition.
Plex Media Servers Being Used to Amplify DDoS Attacks
The researchers claim that a Plex server, properly utilized, can increase the size of DDoS packets by almost five times, making these attacks much more damaging. There's not much Plex users can do about it right now, either.