Newark Airport Fails Website Security Study: Key Reasons Explained

Newark Liberty Airport scored 57.5/100 in a 2025 study for website security, failing security headers but passing SSL encryption. This exposes traveler data risks. The Port Authority has no immediate fix plans. Travelers should use secure networks and verify HTTPS to protect personal information online.

VisaVerge.com
Key takeaways

Newark Liberty Airport website scored 57.5/100 in security, ranking among the 10 least secure U.S. airports.
Study revealed failing grades in security headers despite average SSL encryption, exposing traveler data risks.
Port Authority has no immediate plan to fix website security, urging travelers to follow safety tips.

Travelers using Newark Liberty International Airport face new concerns after a July 27, 2025, study revealed the airport’s website ranks among the least secure in the United States. The study, conducted by digital privacy firm VeePN, found Newark Liberty International Airport’s website scored just 57.5 out of 100 for security, putting it in the bottom 10 of the nation’s 31 largest airports. This low score raises questions about how well the airport protects travelers’ personal information and highlights the need for better website security.

VeePN’s research focused on two main areas: security headers and SSL encryption. Security headers are technical settings that help block common cyberattacks, while SSL encryption protects sensitive data—like travel records and credit card details—when sent over the internet. Newark Liberty International Airport, along with JFK and LaGuardia, performed poorly in security headers, which led to their failing grades. While Newark’s SSL encryption was average and in line with most airports, the lack of strong security headers leaves travelers’ data more exposed to cyber threats.

Newark Airport Fails Website Security Study: Key Reasons Explained
Newark Airport Fails Website Security Study: Key Reasons Explained

Anthony Brown, a web software developer at VeePN, explained, “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.” His comments underline how simple changes could make a big difference in protecting travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport and other airports with similar problems.

The study’s findings show a clear gap between the best and worst airport websites. Miami International led the nation with a score of 97.5 out of 100, while Boston’s Logan International also performed well at 87.5. In contrast, Phoenix Sky Harbor and Daniel K. Inouye International in Honolulu tied for the lowest score at 50 out of 100. Newark Liberty International Airport’s 57.5 score placed it alongside JFK and LaGuardia, both of which serve millions of travelers each year.

For travelers, these low scores mean more than just numbers. Many people rely on airport websites for real-time flight information, Wi-Fi access, parking reservations, and even purchasing fast-track passes. If a website is not secure, hackers could steal personal information or disrupt these services. This risk is especially important for immigrants, international students, and business travelers who may need to share sensitive details online before or during their trips.

⚠️

Important

Be cautious when entering personal information on Newark Liberty International Airport’s website. Its low security score indicates a higher risk of data breaches.

The VeePN study found that while 23 out of 31 airports earned an A or A+ for SSL encryption, a dozen—including Newark Liberty International Airport—failed the security headers test. This means that even though most airport websites protect data during transmission, many do not have enough safeguards to block cyberattacks before they start. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this gap in website security puts travelers at greater risk and calls for urgent action from airport authorities.

Despite these findings, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark Liberty International Airport, has not released an official statement or announced any immediate plans to fix the website’s security problems. The Port Authority’s current security rules, updated as of April 1, 2025, focus mainly on physical and operational safety, not digital protections. This lack of attention to website security could leave travelers vulnerable until new measures are put in place.

Industry experts believe the VeePN study will increase pressure on airports with low scores to improve their website security. The fact that airports like Miami International and San Diego International scored so highly shows that strong digital protections are possible. Experts expect airports to invest more in cybersecurity and possibly adopt new federal or industry-wide standards to make sure all airport websites meet a minimum level of safety.

Travelers can take steps to protect themselves while using airport websites. Here are some practical tips:

💡

Tip

Always connect to secure networks when accessing airport websites. Avoid public Wi-Fi to protect your personal information from potential cyber threats.
  • Use secure networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi when entering personal information on airport websites.
  • Look for HTTPS: Make sure the website address starts with “https://” before entering any sensitive data.
  • Limit personal details: Only provide the information that is absolutely necessary.
  • Monitor accounts: Watch for any unusual activity on your credit card or bank accounts after using airport services online.

For those who want to learn more about website security or report a problem, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provides contact information and feedback forms on their official website. Travelers can also review the full VeePN study for more details about how airports were graded and what steps can be taken to improve website security.

📝

Note

Check that the website URL starts with ‘https://’ before submitting any sensitive data. This ensures that your information is encrypted during transmission.

As airports continue to digitize more services, from reservations to real-time updates, website security will only become more important. The 2025 VeePN report is the most detailed study so far, focusing on technical steps that airports can take to protect travelers. While no immediate regulatory changes have been announced, advocacy groups and travelers are likely to demand faster action and greater transparency from airport authorities.

In summary, Newark Liberty International Airport’s failing grade for website security is a wake-up call for both airport officials and travelers. The main problem is weak security headers, not SSL encryption. Until improvements are made, travelers should stay alert and follow best practices for online safety. The hope is that studies like this will lead to better protections for everyone who relies on airport websites in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Security headers → Technical settings on websites helping block common cyberattacks and improve data protection.
SSL encryption → A method that secures data transmission on websites, protecting sensitive traveler information online.
Cyberattacks → Malicious attempts to breach digital systems, potentially stealing or disrupting data and services.
Port Authority → The agency managing Newark Liberty Airport and other transport facilities in New York and New Jersey.
VPN → Virtual Private Network encrypts internet traffic, enhancing user privacy and security on public networks.

This Article in a Nutshell

Newark Liberty Airport’s website ranks poorly in security headers, raising traveler data risks. Despite SSL encryption, lack of strong protection demands immediate attention as digital services expand. Users should adopt safe online habits while authorities face pressure to improve cybersecurity rapidly at this major U.S. airport.
— By VisaVerge.com

Share This Article
Jim Grey
Senior Editor
Follow:
Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments