b'INFO TECHNOLOGYSEA43relatively normal manner using their own information technologybeen foolhardy, says Breed. We had very little confidence we networks and tools to process passengers and checked bags.were going to get our systems back cleanly (through payment).Still, Labor Day weekend was on the horizona peak forYet even with the attackers shut out and effectively cast aside, Seattles Alaskan cruise season and other end-of-summer tripsthe challenges at SEA remained formidable. through SEAand many low-cost and international carriers wereThe path forward began by first determining how to recover. suddenly unable to access the airports common-use systems. Using primary backups was impossible since hackers had sufficient time to compromise those systems. Some of the Puget Sound Principles backup files had even been deleted altogether, including many Lets pause to address a common question: Why didnt the Portfrom the Ports auxiliary data center.simply pay Rhysidas 100 Bitcoin ransom, which was equivalent to about $6 million at the time?All available internal resources were marshalled to devise the best strategy. In addition, the Port turned to outside contacts at The answer came down to principles and strategy.Microsoft, which is headquartered just a few miles from SEA, and Steve Metruck, executive director of the Port since FebruaryCheck Point Software Technologies, a global cyber security firm 2018, explains that meeting ransom demands from thebased in Tel Aviv. Their respective teams focused on finding and cybercriminals was never an option because doing so wouldremoving the hackers work. Google-owned Mandiant, a leader in have violated the organizations pledge to be a good steward ofdynamic cyber defense, threat intelligence and incident response taxpayer dollars. For reference, Metruck has held public roles forservices, also provided assistance in conjunction with Microsoft. more than four decades, including the rank of Rear Admiral beforeWhile SEA was still navigating the ripple effects of the attack, retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard years earlier.Breed recalls Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella In addition, Rhysida is known for frequently demanding secondindicating that it was a top priority for the company to support its ransom payments after victims pay the first rounds. It would havehometown airport. www.aeropless.com1 866 362-1688Eco-Friendly Airport SnowplowsAsk us about our seasonal rental or leasing options!AirportImprovement.comJanuary | February 2026'