Grounded by Risk: Newark Airport Failures Underscore the Urgency of Cybersecurity in Aviation Infrastructure

Recent disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport, where air traffic controllers lost radar and communication contact due to ongoing equipment failures, are more than just isolated technical issues. They are red flags signaling deeper vulnerabilities in our nation’s aviation infrastructure. These incidents underscore a critical truth: the growing complexity of airport technology ecosystems has dramatically expanded the attack surface, exposing weak points that can no longer be ignored.

The Perfect Storm of IT, OT, and IoT Convergence

Airports today are more than just travel hubs. They are digital ecosystems comprised of intricate networks of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. From traditional servers and databases, to air traffic control systems, baggage handling machinery, security cameras, and smart environmental controls, every device plays a role in the safe, efficient operation of the facility.

But with this convergence comes risk. These systems are often managed in silos, making it difficult to gain a clear, unified view of what assets are connected and what threats may be lurking. A breach in any part of this interconnected environment can have cascading effects, potentially grounding flights, disrupting logistics and trade, and putting traveler safety at risk.

Equipment Failures Are a Warning, Not an Anomaly

The recent outages at Newark are not outliers. And while the outages are thankfully NOT due to any form of cyber attack, they are warning signs of how fragile our critical infrastructure can be without comprehensive cyber risk management. Whether caused by aging hardware, misconfigurations, or cyber sabotage; equipment failures can no longer be treated as mere technical hiccups. They must be viewed through the lens of cyber exposure and risk.

As one of the most targeted sectors by cybercriminals and nation-state actors, the aviation industry must adopt a new security mindset. Visibility, security and control across all assets, regardless of type, location, or manufacturer, are no longer optional; they are essential.

Armis Centrix™: Fortifying the Digital Runway

This is where Armis Centrix™, our cyber exposure management platform, makes a critical difference. Powered by the Armis Asset Intelligence Engine, Armis Centrix™ delivers the visibility, security, and control needed to secure modern airport environments.

With Armis Centrix™, aviation stakeholders can:

• See every connected asset (IT, OT, IoT, and beyond) across their entire environment, including those previously unmanaged or invisible.
• Protect critical infrastructure by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
• Manage security findings and prioritize remediation based on risk, impact, and exploitability thus ensuring resources are focused where it matters most.

Early Warnings, Not Afterthoughts

In highly sensitive and high-stakes environments like airports, early warning is everything. Armis Centrix™ provides proactive threat detection and response, alerting stakeholders to anomalies and emerging risks before they escalate into major incidents.

Whether it’s a radar outage due to failing OT systems or a vulnerable IoT sensor in a restricted area, Armis Centrix™ acts as a force multiplier for aviation security teams, enabling real-time decision-making and coordinated risk reduction.

Protecting More Than Just Travelers

The ripple effects of a cyber event in aviation extend far beyond delayed flights and inconvenienced passengers. They threaten supply chains, emergency response capabilities, and national security. In today’s climate, maintaining the integrity of every system, from air traffic control to airport HVAC, is mission-critical.

Armis is proud to protect some of the most complex and critical infrastructures in the world. With the industry’s #1 asset intelligence platform, Armis Centrix delivers 24/7 peace of mind, ensuring that every device, connection, and operation is secure, no matter how fast the threat landscape evolves.

The Bottom Line

Newark’s equipment failures are not just maintenance issues, they are a wake-up call. As airports become smarter and more connected, they must also become more secure. Armis is here to help make that happen.

Learn how Armis Centrix™ can help secure your airport’s future. Download the Buyer’s Guide – Keeping Air Travelers Safe on the Move