©(Carsten Koall/dpa via AP)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- cyberattack /SAHY-ber-uh-tak/
[noun] – an attack against computer systems or networks, often using the internet
A cyberattack shut down the hospital’s online appointment system, forcing staff to manage patients by hand. - severity /suh-VER-i-tee/
[noun] – the seriousness or extreme nature of a situation, problem, or condition
The severity of the earthquake led to the closure of many schools and offices in the city. - kiosk /KEE-osk/
[noun] – a small machine or stand where a person can get information, buy a ticket, or perform another service by themselves
Train passengers used self-service kiosks to print their tickets before boarding. - subsidiary /suhb-SID-ee-er-ee/
[noun] – a company that is controlled or owned by another larger company
The clothing brand is a subsidiary of a larger international fashion group. - precarious /pri-KAIR-ee-uhs/
[adjective] – not safe, not stable, or likely to fall or fail; uncertain and risky
The precarious financial situation of the airline showed how much it depended on government support.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A cyberattack disrupted check-in systems at several major European airports starting late Friday, September 19, 2025, continuing into Sunday, September 21, 2025, and causing extensive flight cancellations and delays. The incident affected airports in Brussels, Berlin, and London, while many others remained unaffected. Brussels Airport was identified as the hardest hit, with airport authorities requesting the cancellation of nearly 140 departing flights scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025. This step was taken because Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based technology provider, was not yet able to deliver a secure version of its compromised software. The disruption began with problems in issuing boarding passes, bag tags, and processing luggage, forcing airlines to rely on manual systems. Data from Brussels Airport confirmed that 25 flights were canceled on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and 50 flights on Sunday, September 21, 2025, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The cyberattack was directed at the check-in desk systems, while self-service kiosks, online check-in, and air traffic control remained functional. Airport staff used handwritten boarding passes and backup laptops to assist passengers, leading to long waiting times. Experts suggested that the attack could have been carried out by hackers, criminal organizations, or even state actors, although no group has yet claimed responsibility. The European Commission clarified that aviation safety was not at risk, but the disruption underlined vulnerabilities in airport technology. Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, announced that the issue was limited to customer check-in and baggage drop and that mitigation was possible with manual procedures. The company added that work was ongoing to deliver a secure update. Analysts emphasized that such cyber-related disruptions pose a significant challenge for international travel, reflecting the precarious dependence of airports on complex digital infrastructure.
The cyberattack was directed at the check-in desk systems, while self-service kiosks, online check-in, and air traffic control remained functional. Airport staff used handwritten boarding passes and backup laptops to assist passengers, leading to long waiting times. Experts suggested that the attack could have been carried out by hackers, criminal organizations, or even state actors, although no group has yet claimed responsibility. The European Commission clarified that aviation safety was not at risk, but the disruption underlined vulnerabilities in airport technology. Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, announced that the issue was limited to customer check-in and baggage drop and that mitigation was possible with manual procedures. The company added that work was ongoing to deliver a secure update. Analysts emphasized that such cyber-related disruptions pose a significant challenge for international travel, reflecting the precarious dependence of airports on complex digital infrastructure.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a flight delay or cancellation? If yes, what happened and how did you feel? If not, what would you do if your flight were suddenly canceled?
- Have you ever checked in at an airport using a machine or online? If yes, did it make your travel easier? If not, would you like to try using self-check-in in the future? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that technology makes air travel both easier and more risky?
- What could airports do to protect their computer systems from future cyberattacks?
- Why do you think hackers target important places like airports?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- system
- airport
- flight
- boarding pass
- airline