Top 12 ways to prevent airport cyberattacks

Henrique Amaro

March 24, 2025

With cyberattacks on the rise, safeguard airport operations and security with a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy.

In today’s interconnected world, airports rely heavily on LANs and WLANs for smooth operations, passenger experience enhancement, and overall security. Yet their very dependence on digital networks makes them more vulnerable to cyber threats. According to recent data, cyberattacks targeting the aviation sector increased by approximately 24% worldwide in the first half of 2023, with many attacks focusing on airspace users. Additionally, ransomware incidents affecting aviation supply chains surged by up to 600% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

In early 2023, a coordinated DDoS attack targeted multiple airport websites in Europe, causing temporary service outages that disrupted passenger check-in and flight information systems. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how cybersecurity awareness and proper training for all staff are crucial to promptly detect and respond to such threats.

To address this growing threat, the European Union introduced the NIS2 Directive (EU Directive 2022/2555), which took effect in January 2023. NIS2 strengthens cybersecurity measures for critical sectors, including transportation and aviation, by imposing stricter security requirements and harmonizing cybersecurity practices across EU member states.

12 essential measures to strengthen cybersecurity in airports

1. Network segmentation - Dividing the network into multiple segments or VLANs is fundamental for isolating critical systems. By adopting techniques such as micro-segmentation and a Zero Trust Networking approach, airports can restrict unauthorized access and contain the spread of an attack.
2. Firewall deployment - Firewalls serve as barriers at the network’s entry and exit points, monitoring and filtering traffic. This layer of protection blocks malicious activities and prevents unauthorized access attempts, acting as the first line of defense.
3. Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDPS) - Implementing IDPS technologies enables airports to identify suspicious activities in real time. Early detection through these systems allows for the rapid mitigation of threats, thereby minimizing potential damage.
4. Network Access Control (NAC) - Enforcing security policies that restrict network access exclusively to authorized devices and users is vital. NAC makes the network more resilient against intrusions, ensuring that only trusted components can connect.
5. VPNs and encryption - The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for remote connections and the application of robust encryption, such as WPA3 for WLANs, are critical measures to protect data in transit and prevent unauthorized access.
6. Access management - Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces the risk of compromised credentials. This extra layer of verification ensures that network access is granted only after confirming the user’s identity.
7. Regular patching & updates - Maintaining a rigorous patch management process is indispensable. Network devices such as routers, switches and access points must be updated regularly with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.
8. Continuous monitoring & logging - Deploying monitoring tools, especially those powered by artificial intelligence, helps analyze network traffic and detect threats in real time. Constant monitoring coupled with detailed logging makes it easier to identify and counteract malicious activities.
9. Incident response plan - Having a well-structured incident response plan enables coordinated and efficient action in the event of a cyberattack. Clearly defined responsibilities and procedures help minimize the impact and accelerate operational recovery.
10. Data encryption - Encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest is crucial to ensure that even if attackers gain access, the information remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys.
11. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - Similar to MFA, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of verification beyond just a password.
12. Cybersecurity awareness and training - Finally, educating staff and users about cybersecurity risks is essential. Regular training on threats such as phishing, insecure Wi-Fi practices and other risky behaviors fosters a culture of security throughout the airport environment.

Airports must adopt a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy to protect critical systems, ensure passenger safety and maintain seamless operations. Continuous vigilance, regular risk assessments and proactive security updates are essential in an evolving threat landscape. By integrating advanced technology with effective practices, targeted training and drawing lessons from real-world incidents, airports can build resilient defenses that address current challenges and prepare for future threats.