Best, Worst Airport Websites For Data Security Revealed In New Study
According to a recent survey, the main airport in Boston has the safest website of any major airport in the Northeast, whereas hubs in the New York City area are among the worst.
Smartphones being used by passengers at an airport.
Website for digital privacyBased on two cybersecurity metrics, VeePNrated 31 of the biggest airport websites in the United States. The study evaluated airport websites based on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, which safeguards private information like credit card numbers and trip records, and security headers, which aid in thwarting cyberattacks.
Logan International Airport received an A for SSL and a B for security headers. With a score of 87.5 out of 100, that assisted the Boston airport in ranking sixth in the country.
Ronald Reagan Washington National and Dulles International, two airports in the Washington, DC, area, tied for ninth place with 82.5 each. With a score of 80, Philadelphia International Airport came in at number 13 overall, while Baltimore/Washington International Airport came in at number 15, with a score of 75.
With security heading scores of only 57.5 and placing in the bottom 10, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty—the three main airports in the NYC area—all received failing ratings.
“These F grades in security headers highlight a widespread vulnerability among many of America’s busiest air travel hubs and point to a critical area where numerous facilities could make straightforward improvements to boost their overall website security and better protect travelers’ personal information, including credit card details and travel records,” Anthony Brown, the developer of VeePN web software, said.
According to the survey, these five airports have the safest websites:
- Miami International Airport – 97.5
- San Diego International Airport – 95
- Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport – 92.5
- Denver International Airport – 90
- Orlando International Airport – 90
The five airports in the survey with the least secure websites are as follows:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – 50
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) – 50
- JFK International Airport – 57.5
- LaGuardia Airport – 57.5
- Newark Liberty International Airport – 57.5
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston) – 57.5
- Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) – 57.5
- Nashville International Airport – 57.5
While a dozen airports failed the security headers test, the majority of airports did better on SSL encryption, with 23 out of 31 receiving an A or A+.
“Airport websites often handle sensitive traveler information and reservations, making their digital security particularly important,” Brown stated. “The best-performing airports demonstrate that achieving high security standards is possible, and others should follow their example.”
According to VeePN, poorer website rankings may make it more difficult for travelers to get the information they need, such as arrival times, Wi-Fi, and fast-track permit purchases.
