plane flying from boston airport

Research: Only Three Top International Airports Pass Basic Cybersecurity Checks

A cybersecurity firm conducted basic testing on the top 100 airports’ public websites and mobile apps. No U.S. airports passed it, and only three European airports did.

A strikingly low number of the world’s top 100 international airports pass basic cybersecurity checks -- and none of them are in the United States, according to research published by cybersecurity firm ImmuniWeb.

Only three European airports were able to pass all of the security tests undertaken by the firm, including cybersecurity checks on their websites, official mobile apps and any issues with where sensitive data (including passenger information) was stored that could lead to leaks on the dark web.

Those airports are the Dublin International Airport in Ireland, the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, and the Helsinki Vantaa Airport in Finland.

Among the most startling findings from the report are that 97 percent of public airport websites contain outdated web software, and that 100 percent of their mobile apps contained at least five external software frameworks and at least two known vulnerabilities. An average of fifteen security or privacy issues were detected on each app.

These issues “could be credibly exploited to attack an airport authority, obtain a foothold on vulnerable systems, and then infiltrate an airport's internal network,” according to ZDNet.

The tech website pointed to attempted cyber attacks on Ukraine’s largest airport by Russian hackers and a cyber attack on the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that took down WiFi services in 2018.

In addition to software issues, 66 percent of airports are exposed on the dark web, and 72 out of the 325 exposures discovered are of a critical or high risk indicating a serious breach, according to ImmuniWeb’s findings.

Ilia Kolochenko, the CEO and founder of ImmuniWeb, said in a statement that the findings were concerning for any traveler who has used a public airport website or WiFi network.

“Given how many people and organizations entrust their data and lives to international airports every day, these findings are quite alarming,” Kolochenko said. “Cybercriminals may well consider attacking the unwitting air hubs to conduct chain attacks of the travelers or cargo traffic, as well as aiming attacks at the airports directly to disrupt critical national infrastructure.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.