The Spread of Cyber Attacks

If you haven’t read my previous article about the Port of Seattle Cyber Breach, check it out here. This is a follow-up piece diving into the potential spread of the breach to a global vendor network.

The viral spread of a compromised domain and email system, like what appears to have occurred in the recent cyberattack on the Port of Seattle,  can pose a severe risk not just to the port itself but also to the vast network of 8,500+ global vendors connected to its operations. This interconnected vendor network, as shown on the map below, highlights the reach and potential impact of a cybersecurity incident, which can quickly escalate through social engineering, phishing attacks, and basic email compromise.

Why a Compromised Domain is a Critical Threat

When attackers gain access to an organization’s domain, they acquire the ability to manipulate email addresses, issue fake login credentials, and spoof trusted communications. In this scenario, attackers could pose as Port of Seattle employees, sending convincing emails to vendors, contractors, and other third-party partners. These emails may contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal login information or spread malware through phishing.

One of the simplest yet most dangerous vectors an attacker can use is a phishing email. A fake message that appears to come from a legitimate Port of Seattle employee, like a request for password resets or financial transfers, can easily trick recipients, especially in a global, fast-paced logistics environment. Given the scope of the Port's vendor network, these attacks could lead to widespread data breaches and financial fraud across the globe.

Social Engineering in Action

Social engineering is a technique attackers use to manipulate people into divulging confidential information. In a port environment, hackers could exploit vendors or employees who are accustomed to quick, streamlined communication with the Port. For instance, an attacker impersonating a senior Port of Seattle executive could send urgent requests to vendors for sensitive information or credentials. By exploiting trust within the network, the attacker could infiltrate multiple systems without needing advanced technical methods.

A comparable to the Cyber Pandemic

Just like a virus, once a hacker infiltrates an email system—often using a seemingly innocent phishing attempt—the compromised email becomes the "patient zero" of the cyber incident, acting as a vector for the spread of the attack to other systems, users, and organizations.

How the Spread Happens:

1. Initial Infection (Patient Zero): When an email account is compromised, it serves as the first infected system—patient zero. The attacker has access to the user’s email, enabling them to send malicious emails to contacts within and outside the organization. Since these emails come from a trusted account, the recipients are more likely to open them or download malicious attachments.

2. Rapid Spread (Contagion): Just as a virus can spread rapidly through close contact, a compromised email can spread malware or steal credentials across a network. Vendors, partners, and internal teams interacting with the compromised account become secondary victims, opening doors to more compromised systems. This spread can happen in minutes, as each interaction exponentially increases the attack surface.

3. Propagation and Persistence: Similar to a virus mutation, hackers can exploit the information gained from the first compromise to escalate their access. They may use social engineering tactics, such as impersonating trusted employees, to fool others into providing sensitive data or access to critical systems. As the infection spreads, containment becomes exponentially harder, just like containing an outbreak in a densely populated area.

4. Difficulty in Stopping the Crisis: Once an attack spreads through multiple layers of the organization, or worse, reaches vendors or partners (as in the case of the Port of Seattle’s 8,500 vendors), stopping it becomes incredibly difficult. Identifying all infected systems and resetting compromised credentials is much like tracing all contacts of patient zero in a pandemic—it requires immediate, coordinated efforts. Delays or missteps in identifying every "infected" system can lead to further outbreaks, with attackers pivoting between compromised accounts, just as a virus can jump from person to person.

5. Long-Term Impact (Secondary Waves): Just like a pandemic can have waves of infection, a cyberattack that isn’t fully contained can lead to secondary attacks—ransomware deployments, data exfiltration, or additional phishing attempts from compromised vendors. These secondary waves make it even harder to fully recover from the initial breach, causing prolonged operational and financial damage.

Email Compromise: A Fast Path to Widespread Damage

For a large port ecosystem, once the email system is compromised, attackers can leverage their access to spread malware, including ransomware, or exfiltrate sensitive data. Vendors that regularly communicate with the Port of Seattle may not immediately realize they've been targeted. Hackers could compromise a vendor's system, then use that access to infiltrate further into other networks—essentially using the vendor as a stepping stone to larger, more sensitive targets.

Given the global nature of the Port’s vendor network, a compromised domain could result in:

1. Supply Chain Disruptions: Malicious actors may use access to disrupt logistics, cancel shipments, or reroute goods. Such disruptions could halt operations in several industries reliant on the Port’s services.

2. Financial Fraud: By sending fraudulent invoices or bank transfer requests, hackers could cause financial chaos for both the Port and its vendors.

3. Vendor Network Contamination: Once one vendor is breached, the malware could spread to other organizations that interact with them, multiplying the damage and making recovery more complex.

Example system we know were targeted:

Ground Operations and Baggage Handling Vendors

Why They’re Critical: Ground services vendors are responsible for managing baggage handling systems, cargo loading, and aircraft servicing. Any disruptions to these operations can create massive delays, cascading effects across multiple flights, and overall dissatisfaction for travelers.

Risk Factors:

• Systemic Delays: If hackers infiltrate a ground operations vendor, they could create operational chaos by halting baggage handling systems, leading to flight delays and lost luggage.

• Targeting Vulnerable Software: Ground service systems often rely on specialized software that controls baggage carousels, loading trucks, and aircraft positioning. These are typically vulnerable to malware or ransomware attacks due to proprietary software that has longer security and update cycles.

• Disruption to Cargo Operations: Many airports also handle high-value cargo alongside passenger luggage. A breach in these systems could result in stolen or delayed cargo, affecting businesses reliant on time-sensitive shipments.

Potential High-Value Targets: Vendors like Swissport, Worldwide Flight Services, and others that manage these critical operations are prime targets. These companies often operate across multiple airports, making them appealing targets for hackers seeking to maximize their reach.

Conclusion for Consumers/Passengers:

As a passenger, the recent cyberattack on the Port of Seattle is a reminder of how vulnerable our everyday travel can be to digital threats. Delays, system outages, and compromised services can be frustrating, but these incidents also highlight the importance of cybersecurity for protecting your personal information and ensuring safe, reliable travel. Staying informed about these events, using secure airline apps, and being cautious with any communication related to your travel plans can help you navigate disruptions more smoothly. Moving forward, airports and transportation authorities will need to adopt stronger security measures to ensure your safety, both in the air and online.

Conclusion for (Port of Seattle) Vendors:

Read about zero-trust frameworks. For vendors working with the Port of Seattle, this cyberattack serves as a wake-up call to the interconnected nature of today’s supply chains. With more than 8,500 vendors potentially impacted, this breach shows how quickly a compromise in one organization can spread across its entire network. As a vendor, you must strengthen your own cybersecurity defenses, ensure you are implementing two-factor authentication, and conduct regular cyber hygiene assessments. Collaborating closely with partners to improve communication and transparency during such crises will be key to mitigating damage and maintaining long-term trust within the supply chain.

Conclusion for Industry Professionals:

The Port of Seattle cyberattack has demonstrated the fragility of critical infrastructure when targeted by sophisticated attacks. For cybersecurity professionals, this event underscores the need for ongoing threat modeling and red team exercises to prepare for large-scale attacks, particularly on public infrastructure. The attack also highlights the importance of securing not just internal systems but also third-party vendor networks, which are often the weak link in the security chain. Strengthening domain security, implementing multi-factor authentication, and improving incident response plans should be top priorities to ensure operational resilience in the face of increasingly complex cyber threats.

About the Author

Barry Hurd is an accomplished technology strategist with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, data intelligence, and digital innovation. As a trusted advisor to businesses and public sector organizations, Barry specializes in helping teams understand and mitigate complex data and cybersecurity scenarios, particularly those involving critical supply chain  infrastructures. His deep technical knowledge is complemented by his ability to translate complex digital challenges into practical, actionable strategies for leaders at all levels. Barry’s insights bridge the gap between advanced cybersecurity strategies and real-world application, helping organizations safeguard their most valuable assets. His passion for exploring the intersection of technology, risk management, and operational resilience has positioned him as a go-to resource for executives looking to secure their digital future.