Officials probe software update in nationwide FAA ground stop, finding no cyberattack
Federal investigators are examining whether a software update triggered a telecommunications outage that grounded flights across the United States, as officials dismissed links to a Microsoft outage and found no signs of an attack.
The FBI is investigating whether a software update caused the Federal Aviation Administration communication failure that led to a nationwide ground stop, according to Bloomberg. A person familiar with the matter reported that the bureau does not believe the air traffic control communication outage stemmed from criminality or a cyberattack.[1][5][7][8]
Speaking to the media, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said there is no indication of a nefarious attack against the FAA as the agency investigates the root cause of the telecom breakdown. Mullin also separated the aviation disruption from a concurrent Microsoft outage, stating, "I don't see any reason to connect those two at all. Those are separate issues." Mullin noted that President Donald Trump was briefed and that there is no cause for public alarm, though he added that he is "not excluding any options at this stage" and that artificial intelligence cannot be ruled out as a factor.[1][2][3][4][6]
The FAA characterized the disruption as a temporary telecommunications outage that prompted a precautionary halt of all domestic flights. Every aircraft remained accounted for, with international arrivals handled on a case-by-case basis. Nearly 7,000 flights were delayed or cancelled during the incident.[1]
Key facts
- The FBI is examining whether a software update triggered the telecommunications failure that grounded flights across the United States.
- A person familiar with the matter said the FBI does not believe the air traffic control communication outage was caused by a cyberattack or criminality.
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said there is no indication of a nefarious attack and rejected any connection between the FAA outage and a Microsoft outage.
- The FAA reported that all aircraft were accounted for during the precautionary halt, with international arrivals managed on a case-by-case basis.
- Nearly 7,000 flights were delayed or cancelled as a result of the ground stop.
- Mullin noted that President Trump was briefed, no options are being excluded regarding the cause, and AI cannot be ruled out.
Sources · 8 sources
- WS
Wall St Engine@wallstenginePost on X ·
THE FBI IS INVESTIGATING WHETHER A SOFTWARE UPDATE CAUSED THE FAA OUTAGE Bloomberg reports the FBI is examining whether a software update triggered the failure that grounded every flight in the United States. The FAA calls it a temporary telecommunications outage that led to a precautionary halt of all flights, and says every aircraft is accounted for, with international arrivals handled case by case. Homeland Security Secretary Mullin says President Trump has been briefed, that communication has been maintained at certain levels, and that there is no cause for public alarm. Asked about the cause, he said he is "not excluding any options at this stage." Nearly 7,000 flights have been delayed or cancelled. Source: Bloomberg, FAA, DHS
Open source - PO
Polymarket@PolymarketPost on X ·
JUST IN: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin doesn’t see “any reason” to link the FAA’s nationwide ground stop to the Microsoft outage.
Open source - CB
Crypto BriefingArticle ·
DHS secretary says AI can’t be ruled out in nationwide flight grounding The potential involvement of AI in flight disruptions could intensify scrutiny on AI's role in critical infrastructure, impacting future regulations. The post DHS secretary says AI can’t be ruled out in nationwide flight grounding appeared first on Crypto Briefing .
Open source - MN
Mario Nawfal@MarioNawfalPost on X ·
🚨🇺🇸 DHS Secretary Mullin on whether the Microsoft outage and FAA outages are related: “I don’t see any reason to connect those two at all. Those are separate issues.” Well, there are several issues, and no one seems to have any answers. Does anyone know what is going on in the U.S. right now? Writer: Jamie https://t.co/3TwzxGEZV0
Open source - TE
TechmemeArticle ·
Source: the FBI is probing whether the FAA outage was caused by a software update, and doesn't believe it was due to a cyberattack or criminality (Myles Miller/Bloomberg) Myles Miller / Bloomberg : Source: the FBI is probing whether the FAA outage was caused by a software update, and doesn't believe it was due to a cyberattack or criminality — The Federal Bureau of Investigation doesn't believe the communication issue affecting air traffic control was due to a cyberattack or criminality, said a person familiar with the matter.
Open source - TH
The Hill@thehillPost on X ·
#BREAKING: Mullin: No indication of ‘nefarious attack’ on FAA as DHS investigates root cause of telecom outage https://t.co/cjFwiffQ3b
Open source - TE
Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·
Source: the FBI is probing whether the FAA outage was caused by a software update, and doesn't believe it was due to a cyberattack or criminality (@mylesmill / Bloomberg) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)
Open source - WG
Watcher.Guru@WatcherGuruPost on X ·
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 FBI investigates whether software update caused mass FAA outage leading to nationwide ground stop.
Open source