European Airports Cyberattack: Urgent Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures

European Airports Face Major Cyberattack, Forcing Manual Operations A coordinated cyberattack disrupted operations at multiple major European airports including Brussels, Berlin's Brandenburg, and London's Heathrow on September 19, 2025, forcing facilities to switch to manual check-in and boarding procedures. The attack targeted electronic systems across these transportation hubs, causing flight delays and operational challenges that continued into September 20. This incident demonstrates the critical importance of implementing comprehensive cyber risk management strategies in aviation infrastructure. Impact and Response The disruption primarily affected electronic check-in systems, creating bottlenecks at traditional check-in counters due to limited staff availability. Airport authorities quickly implemented manual procedures to maintain operations, though this led to some passenger frustration and delays. "This event is a reminder that cyber risk isn't abstract," says Anne Cutler, Cybersecurity Evangelist at Keeper Security. "It delays families, disrupts business and erodes confidence in critical services." Security Implications and Future Concerns While the perpetrators remain unknown, security experts suggest several possible culprits: Cybercriminal organizations State actors Hacktivist groups targeting critical infrastructure Organizations across the aviation sector are now recognizing the importance of developing robust cybersecurity incident response plans to address similar threats. Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security, emphasizes the interconnected nature of modern transportation systems: "A technical incident with a single provider can quickly cascade across multiple airports, which is why resilience, security and visibility are critical in modern infrastructure." Enhanced Security Measures The aviation sector's increasing reliance on mobile devices and cloud-based solutions presents new security challenges. Krishna Vishnubhotla, Vice President of Product Strategy at Zimperium, notes that "more than 70% of aviation cybersecurity solutions are now cloud-hosted," making robust mobile security essential. Small and medium-sized businesses in the aviation sector should consider implementing essential cybersecurity measures for business protection to safeguard their operations. For more information about aviation cybersecurity standards, visit the International Air Transport Association's cybersecurity resources. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the aviation industry and highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across critical infrastructure. As airports continue to digitize their operations, the balance between convenience and security becomes increasingly crucial.