Four Ways Airlines Can Detect and Prevent Hacking of Their Ticketing System

By

Shadrach Swante Kambai

Flight Operations Consultant, Aviation Data Analyst, Business Developer (shadrach@cliqjets.com)

One of the most crucial departments in airline operations is ticketing. This is because it serves as the access point for all revenue entering the company. Therefore, airlines must pay close attention to their network security due to the crucial role it plays in securing airline income, passenger personal data, and their online vulnerability to hackers. There are various indicators that an airline’s e-ticketing system has been compromised, and the airline must be diligent and aggressive in recognizing and fixing any security breaches. Here are some warning indicators to check for:

Unusual activity: If there is an unusual amount of activity or traffic on the e-ticketing system, it may be a sign that the system has been hacked. This could include multiple failed login attempts, unauthorized access to customer information, or unusual spikes in ticket sales.

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System errors: If there are frequent system errors or crashes, it could be a sign that the system has been compromised. Hackers may try to disrupt the system to cover their tracks or to cause chaos.

Suspicious transactions: If there are suspicious transactions or unauthorized charges on customers’ credit cards or accounts, it could be a sign that the e-ticketing system has been hacked. It is important for the airline to monitor transactions closely and investigate any suspicious activity.

Data breaches: If customer data has been compromised or stolen, it could be a sign that the e-ticketing system has been hacked. It is important for the airline to have robust security measures in place to protect customer data, and to notify customers immediately if there is a data breach.

To ensure the security of their e-ticketing system, airlines should implement strong security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular system updates and backups. They should also monitor the system for suspicious activity and have a plan in place for responding to security breaches. Regular security audits and assessments can help to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks.