Cyberattack on European Airports Reveals Business Risks in Cybersecurity

2025-09-24 data

Amsterdam, Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
Recent cyberattacks on major European airports emphasize the need for businesses, especially in the Netherlands, to integrate cybersecurity into risk management strategies, highlighting operational vulnerabilities.

Operational Disruptions and Vulnerabilities

The recent cyberattack on MUSE, the check-in and boarding platform by Collins Aerospace, led to significant operational disruptions at major European airports, including Schiphol, Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. This incident affected electronic check-in and bag-drop services, necessitating manual workarounds to maintain operations [1]. These disruptions illustrate the vulnerabilities in airport operations and highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure business continuity.

Cybersecurity: A Board-Level Priority

In response to these threats, experts emphasize that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue but a critical business risk that requires attention at the highest organizational levels. The Dutch Cyber Security Council has underscored that cyber risk is equivalent to business risk, with implications for customer trust, legal compliance, and governance [1]. This perspective is supported by the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024, which emphasizes the importance of an effective and entrepreneurial board, consistent with long-term company success [1].

Integrating Cybersecurity into Business Strategies

Organizations are urged to integrate cybersecurity into their risk management strategies to improve resilience against future attacks. This involves avoiding single points of failure, decoupling critical systems, and planning for a better passenger experience to withstand cyber threats [1]. The importance of these measures is echoed in forums like the ENISA Telecom and Digital Infrastructure Security Forum, which focuses on enhancing the cybersecurity of the EU’s telecom sector [2].

Innovations in Cyber Resilience

Innovations such as the Cyber Resilience Network, developed by the National Cyber Security Centre in the Netherlands, aim to strengthen digital resilience by facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration between public and private organizations [5]. This initiative provides a comprehensive framework for improving resilience across the Netherlands, aligning with the broader Dutch Cybersecurity Strategy 2022–2028 [5].

Bronnen

cybersecurity business risk