Hawaiian Airlines Cybersecurity Crisis and Suffers from Massive IT Outage

HAWAII- Hawaiian Airlines (HA) recently disclosed a significant cybersecurity incident that may have compromised the personal information of its customers and employees.

The breach was detailed in a filing with the Maine Attorney General’s Office. It revealed that an unauthorized third party accessed sensitive data, potentially exposing names, addresses, and other personal details.

This incident has raised concerns about traveler safety and the security of personal information in the airline industry.

Hawaiian Airlines Cybersecurity Crisis

Photo: Clément Alloing

The cybersecurity breach was first detected by Hawaiian Airlines in early 2025, though the exact timeline of the incident remains unclear.

According to the airline’s filing, an unauthorized party gained access to systems containing sensitive customer and employee data. The full scope of the breach is still under investigation. However, the compromised information could include:

• Full names
• Mailing addresses
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Other personally identifiable information (PII)

Hawaiian Airlines has not yet confirmed whether financial data, such as credit card numbers or travel itineraries, was exposed. The airline is working with cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and assess the extent of the damage.

Impact on Travelers

Photo: Clément Alloing

There is little to no concern for customers who have flown with Hawaiian Airlines or used their services. However, this breach raises serious concerns about identity theft and fraud. Exposed personal information could be used by cybercriminals to:

• Launch phishing attacks targeting affected individuals.
• Attempt unauthorized access to financial accounts.
• Create fraudulent bookings or loyalty program scams.

Travelers are advised to remain vigilant for suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to be from Hawaiian Airlines or related entities. The airline has stated it will notify affected customers directly and is offering free credit monitoring services to those impacted.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Response

Photo: Clément Alloing

Hawaiian Airlines has taken several steps to address the breach:

1. Containment: The airline acted swiftly to contain the breach and secure its systems, working with cybersecurity professionals to prevent further unauthorized access.
2. Investigation: An ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the full scope of the breach and identify the perpetrators.
3. Customer Notification: Affected individuals will receive notifications with guidance on protecting their personal information.
4. Enhanced Security: The airline is implementing additional security measures to prevent future incidents.

The airline has also set up a dedicated support line and website for customers with questions or concerns about the breach.

What You, as a Traveller, Should Do?

Photo: Clément Alloing

If you’ve recently traveled with Hawaiian Airlines or are a member of their loyalty program, take these steps to protect yourself:

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts, especially those tied to travel or financial services.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Avoid clicking on links or sharing personal information in unsolicited communications.
• Check for Updates: Visit Hawaiian Airlines’ official website or contact their support team for the latest information on the breach and protective measures.
• Consider Credit Monitoring: If you’re notified that your data was compromised, take advantage of the free credit monitoring services offered by the airline.

Broader Implications for the Travel Industry

Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

This incident shows the growing threat of cyberattacks in the travel and tourism sector. These sectors have large volumes of sensitive data collected and stored. Airlines, hotels, and booking platforms are prime targets for hackers due to the wealth of personal and financial information they handle.

As the industry becomes increasingly digitized, companies must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect customers and maintain trust.

Hawaiian Airlines’ breach serves as a reminder for travelers to exercise caution when sharing personal information and to stay informed about data security practices.

As investigations continue, the airline industry as a whole may face increased scrutiny to strengthen its defenses against cyber threats.

Bottom Line

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information. For the latest updates, visit the airline’s website or contact their customer support team directly.

In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Stay vigilant, and safe travels.

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The post Hawaiian Airlines Cybersecurity Crisis and Suffers from Massive IT Outage appeared first on Aviation A2Z.