American Airlines diverted a San Diego-bound flight after hackers used social media to declare that there was a bomb on-board. The hackers were targeting a senior Sony company executive that was aboard the flight, which diverted to Phoenix.
A Twitter account called “Lizard Squad” sent a message to American Airlines, informing the airline that there might be explosives on the aircraft carrying John Smedley, the president of Sony Online Entertainment, which makes video games. The same account also claimed responsibility for causing the online-based PlayStation Network to cease functioning under a “denial of service” attack.
San Diego airport spokeswoman Rebecca Bloomfield said that as the aircraft was being diverted, the Transportation Security Administration told airport officials that the FBI was investigating a message about possible explosives aboard the flight.
Smedley later said via Twitter: "Yes, my plane was diverted. Not going to discuss more than that. Justice will find these guys."
After landing in Phoenix, the plane taxied to a remote stand, where passengers exited and their bags were searched by police officers with dogs. American Airlines spokesman Casey Norton said the aircraft later resumed its flight to San Diego.
AA diverts flight after security threat involving Sony executive on board
