Cybersecurity Isn’t Optional: What the Aeroflot Breach Teaches Us About IT Readiness

In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Businesses of all sizes, across every industry, face an evolving landscape of digital threats. From ransomware and phishing to data breaches and insider attacks, the risks are real, constant, and costly.

At palmiq, we believe that IT security should be proactive, not reactive. That’s why we offer 360° cybersecurity and IT support, designed to protect your business from every angle. And with our strategic partnership with Acronis, a global leader in cyber protection, we deliver enterprise-grade solutions tailored to your needs.

But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s look at a recent example that shook the aviation industry, and serves as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.

The Aeroflot Cyberattack: A Wake-Up Call

In July 2025, Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, suffered a catastrophic cyberattack. Hackers infiltrated the company’s systems for nearly a year, undetected. When they finally struck, the damage was swift and severe:

• Over 7,000 servers wiped
• More than 150 flights canceled
• Millions of dollars in losses
• Threats to publish passenger data

The attackers exploited outdated systems, weak passwords, and a lack of real-time monitoring. The breach didn’t just disrupt operations, it eroded customer trust and exposed critical vulnerabilities.

This wasn’t just a failure of technology. It was a failure of preparation.

What Went Wrong: Lessons from the Breach

The Aeroflot incident highlights several key lessons for any business:

1. Outdated Infrastructure Is a Liability
   Systems running on legacy software like Windows XP are easy targets for modern cyber threats.
2. Lack of Monitoring Creates Blind Spots
   Without real-time visibility, threats can linger undetected for months.
3. Weak Authentication Is an Open Door
   Passwords unchanged since 2022? That’s an invitation for attackers.
4. No Incident Response Plan Means Chaos
   When the breach occurred, Aeroflot had no clear protocol, leading to delays and confusion.

These are not isolated issues. Many organizations, especially those without dedicated IT support, face similar risks.