Cyber attack on KLM and Air France: everything you need to know to protect your company

A few weeks ago we already reported what happened to another very famous airline in a entry from our blog and this week, two of the giants of European aviation, KLM and Air France, have confirmed having suffered a serious cyberattack linked to a breach at an external customer service provider. Although no financial data has been exposed, the leak affects millions of passengers and increases the risks of attacks from Phishing and targeted fraud. If your company operates in the travel, logistics, retail sector or handles customer data, this case is essential to understand how to prepare your B2B corporate defenses for similar incidents.

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Details of the attack: What data has been compromised?‍

Summary of the gap:

• The incident was detected on an external platform used by KLM and Air France contact centers.
• Attackers have accessed personal data such as: first name, last name, email, phone number, level and Flying Blue customer number, and support issues recently managed by customers.
• UNAFFECTED DATA: passwords, bank details, passports, reservations or financial information have not been compromised.
• The group holds an external supplier responsible for the incident; both airlines' internal infrastructures remain secure.

🎯 Key risks for businesses and customers: Cybercriminals can use leaked data to send highly convincing fraudulent emails or calls, asking for hasty actions (“urgent, validate your account”, “cancel a flight”, etc.).

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Implications for companies and B2B managers

• The attack reveals the vulnerability of the digital supply chain; not only must our own corporate systems be shielded, but also equivalent measures must be required from collaborating companies and external suppliers.
• The leak of information associated with loyalty programs or personalized support, even if it does not contain critical data, can facilitate selective fraud (“spear phishing”) aimed at executive profiles or VIP clients.
• Business Reputation and Regulatory Compliance: KLM and Air France have notified the incident to the data protection authorities (CNIL and the Netherlands Authority), stressing the importance of proactive reporting and transparency in the face of a breach.

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Tips from Apolo Cybersecurity after the attack

🔐 Immediate recommendations for supplier companies or companies with frequent traveler @s profiles:

• Reinforce training in phishing detection and always verifies the authenticity of communications after a breach.
• It implements double validation in critical processes and requirements for access to loyalty or support platforms.
• Review data processing agreements and require up-to-date security testing from all your technology partners.
• Monitor any unusual activity on key accounts and communicate internal alerts of new impersonation campaigns following the incident.

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Strengthen your B2B cyber defense after the latest attacks on the aviation sector

The case of KLM and Air France shows that every company, especially in interconnected sectors, must be shielded not only in the face of direct threats, but also in the face of the risks posed by external suppliers. At Apolo Cybersecurity, we help you design adapted protection strategies and create a culture of cyber-resilience.

• Reinforce the protection and continuous auditing of your entire data chain.
• Train your team to identify suspicious messages after public breaches.
• Act quickly: prevention and transparency are the best answer.

Do you want us to review your company's digital exposure together or do you need to improve the protection of your B2B processes?
Contact Apolo Cybersecurity now and request your free consulting for companies.

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