Technical Brief: Cybersecurity in the Maritime Sector

Hacker Noob Tips

Hacker Noob Tips

— 6 min read
Technical Brief: Cybersecurity in the Maritime Sector
Photo by David Vives / Unsplash

Overview

The maritime sector is a critical component of global trade, facilitating the movement of goods and resources across the world. However, increased digitization, reliance on operational technology (OT), and interconnected systems have made it a prime target for cyberattacks. This brief explores the key challenges, vulnerabilities, incidents, and strategies for enhancing cybersecurity in the maritime industry.

Key Challenges in Maritime Cybersecurity

  1. Harsh Operational Environments:
    • Ships operate in remote areas with extreme weather conditions, leading to equipment corrosion and communication challenges.
    • Physical security measures are often less robust than traditional IT server rooms.
  2. Complex Supply Chains:
    • The maritime industry relies on highly integrated global supply chains.
    • Disruptions in one link can ripple through the entire chain, impacting cargo flow, safety, and economic stability.
  3. IT-OT Convergence:
    • Maritime systems blend IT (e.g., email, financial systems) with OT (e.g., navigation, cranes).
    • IT prioritizes confidentiality, while OT prioritizes availability, creating unique security requirements.
  4. Connectivity Requirements:
    • Ships use satellite communications and IoT devices for operations like container tracking and reefer monitoring.
    • Increased connectivity expands the attack surface.
  5. Regulatory Compliance:
    • The IMO's MSC 428(98) directive mandates regular cyber risk assessments and proactive measures to secure systems.

Major Cybersecurity Incidents

  1. Port of Antwerp (2013):
    • Hackers infiltrated port systems to locate specific containers carrying smuggled goods.
    • Records were deleted to erase evidence.
  2. Maersk Ransomware Attack (2017):
    • The NotPetya ransomware caused $300 million in losses and significant downtime.
  3. Port of Shanghai GPS Spoofing (2019):
    • Attackers manipulated GPS and AIS data to hide vessel locations, potentially linked to illegal activities.
  4. Transnet Ransomware Attack (2021):
    • South African ports were paralyzed for a week, causing significant supply chain disruptions.

Attack Vectors in the Maritime Sector

  • Ransomware: Encrypts critical files and demands payment for decryption.
  • Phishing: A common entry point for attackers targeting maritime organizations.
  • GPS Spoofing: Misleads navigation systems, endangering vessels and cargo.
  • Malicious USB Devices: Breach air-gapped OT systems by transferring malware between IT and OT networks.
  • IoT Vulnerabilities: Poorly secured IoT devices can be exploited for unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

1. Cyber Risk Assessment Frameworks

  • Use established frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, or IEC 62443 to identify vulnerabilities and implement controls.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments tailored to both IT and OT environments.

2. Network Segmentation

  • Separate IT and OT networks using firewalls.
  • Limit communication between networks to essential traffic only.

3. System Hardening

  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems.
  • Regularly patch both IT and OT systems while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
  • Use immutable backups that cannot be altered or deleted remotely.

4. Incident Response & Monitoring

  • Deploy continuous monitoring tools integrated with machine learning for anomaly detection.
  • Develop incident response playbooks tailored to maritime-specific scenarios.
  • Test business continuity plans regularly to ensure rapid recovery from disruptions.

5. Supply Chain Security

  • Vet third-party vendors for compliance with cybersecurity standards like SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001.
  • Monitor third-party software for vulnerabilities or zero-day exploits.

6. Cybersecurity Awareness

  • Train both computer users and non-computer users (e.g., crew) on best practices.
  • Emphasize risks associated with phishing emails and malicious USB devices.
  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
    • AI-driven tools are enhancing threat detection and automated incident response.
    • Predictive analytics can identify vulnerabilities before exploitation occurs.
  2. Quantum Computing:
    • Quantum computing poses risks to traditional encryption methods.
    • Development of post-quantum cryptography standards is critical for future resilience.

How does maritime cybersecurity differ from other industries

Maritime cybersecurity is distinct from other industries due to the unique operational environment, infrastructure, and regulatory challenges faced by the sector. Below are the key differences that set it apart:

1. Hybrid IT and OT Systems

  • Maritime: Ships and ports rely on a combination of Information Technology (IT) systems (e.g., communications, business operations) and Operational Technology (OT) systems (e.g., navigation, propulsion, cargo handling). OT systems are critical for physical operations, and their compromise can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as environmental disasters or loss of life[1][4][8].
  • Other Industries: While sectors like energy and manufacturing also use OT, maritime environments are more complex due to their mobility and reliance on satellite communications.

2. Connectivity Challenges

  • Maritime: Vessels often operate in remote areas with limited or intermittent satellite connectivity. This restricts real-time monitoring, incident response, and software updates, making ships more vulnerable to evolving threats[1][3].
  • Other Industries: Land-based industries typically have access to high-speed, stable internet connections, allowing for more robust cybersecurity measures.

3. Regulatory Fragmentation

  • Maritime: The industry lacks a unified global cybersecurity framework. Different jurisdictions impose varying standards, such as the IMO’s Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management or the EU’s NIS2 Directive. This lack of harmonization complicates compliance efforts[2][9].
  • Other Industries: Sectors like finance or healthcare often operate under stricter and more coherent regulatory frameworks.

4. Attack Surface and Threats

  • Maritime: The attack surface includes unique vulnerabilities like GPS spoofing, AIS manipulation (used for tracking ships), and the exploitation of poorly secured IoT devices onboard vessels. Cyberattacks can disrupt global trade routes or compromise crew safety[1][4][8].
  • Other Industries: While ransomware and phishing are common across all sectors, maritime-specific threats target navigation and physical operations.

5. Risk Appetite

  • Maritime: The sector shows a higher tolerance for cyber risks due to its push for digitalization and innovation. For example, 61% of maritime professionals believe accepting increased cyber risks is necessary to enable technological advancements[5][9].
  • Other Industries: Critical infrastructure sectors like energy and healthcare are generally more risk-averse when adopting new technologies.

6. Security Operations Centers (SOCs)

  • Maritime: Maritime SOCs must address both onboard and shoreside security needs while overcoming bandwidth limitations. They often use local caching mechanisms to ensure timely threat detection despite connectivity challenges[1].
  • Other Industries: Traditional SOCs typically manage static environments with fewer communication constraints.

7. Supply Chain Complexity

  • Maritime: The global nature of shipping involves extensive supply chains with multiple stakeholders. Cyberattacks targeting one link in the chain can have cascading effects across international trade[3][6].
  • Other Industries: While supply chain risks exist elsewhere, the scale and international dependencies in maritime make it uniquely challenging.

Conclusion

The maritime industry’s reliance on hybrid IT/OT systems, remote operations, fragmented regulations, and high-risk tolerance distinguishes its cybersecurity landscape from other sectors. Tailored solutions that address these specific challenges are essential to safeguarding maritime operations against evolving cyber threats. The maritime sector faces unique cybersecurity challenges due to its reliance on interconnected IT and OT systems, complex supply chains, and harsh operating environments. By adopting robust frameworks, implementing layered defenses, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the industry can mitigate risks and ensure operational continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Citations:
[1] https://madsecurity.com/madsecurity-blog/maritime-soc-cybersecurity
[2] https://connections-qj.org/article/maritime-cyberinsecurity-growing-threat-imperils-eu-countries
[3] https://industrialcyber.co/features/maritime-cyberthreats-reflect-expansion-of-vulnerable-systems-shifting-focus-to-boosting-cybersecurity-posture/
[4] https://www.missionsecure.com/maritime-security-perspectives-for-a-comprehensive-approach
[5] https://www.dnv.com/news/maritime-appetite-for-cyber-risk-notably-higher-than-other-key-industries-new-report-reveals/
[6] https://industrialcyber.co/transport/new-dnv-research-highlights-higher-cyber-risk-appetite-in-maritime-industry-than-in-sectors/
[7] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/issue-brief/cybersecurity-concerns-for-the-energy-sector-in-the-maritime-domain/
[8] https://darktrace.com/cyber-ai-glossary/cybersecurity-in-maritime
[9] https://www.consultancy.eu/news/11060/maritime-appetite-for-cyber-risk-notably-higher-than-other-industries
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/tq3wr7/cybersecurity_specialists_do_you_focus_on_one/
[11] https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8732/2/1/9
[12] https://thetius.com/cyber-attacks-who-targets-the-maritime-industry-and-why/
[13] https://www.maritime-cybersecurity.com
[14] https://bisresearch.com/industry-report/global-maritime-cybersecurity-market.html
[15] https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/12/10/1844
[16] https://www.kaikosystems.com/blog/navigating-the-cyber-seas-a-look-at-maritime-cyber-security
[17] https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/175401
[18] https://www.dnv.com/expert-story/maritime-impact/tackling-a-growing-cybersecurity-threat-in-an-increasingly-connected-industry/
[19] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/trouble-underway-seven-perspectives-on-maritime-cybersecurity/
[20] https://www.marinelink.com/news/maritime-industry-unique-cybersecurity-512805
[21] https://saturnpartners.com/2025/01/maritime-cybersecurity-in-2025-addressing-security-gaps-and-risks/
[22] https://www.maritime-cybersecurity.com/National_Maritime_Cybersecurity_Plan.html
[23] https://www.nccgroup.com/us/navigating-the-digital-seas-insights-from-the-maritime-cybersecurity-summit/
[24] https://cyberenergia.com/exploring-our-vulnerabilities-this-article-discusses-key-strategies-to-strengthen-maritime-cybersecurity-particularly-as-it-relates-to-the-renewable-energy-sector/
[25] https://www.surefirecyber.com/industry-spotlight-port-and-maritime/
[26] https://www.missionsecure.com/manufacturing-cyber-security
[27] https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/2024aepphasellusmaritimetradeandportcybersecurity.pdf
[28] https://industrialcyber.co/transport/gao-report-flags-gaps-in-maritime-cybersecurity-urges-coast-guard-to-boost-defenses-against-global-threats/
[29] https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/security-technology/archive/2024/december/Maritime-Industry-Considers-Cybersecurity-Be-Greatest-Risk/
[30] https://industrialcyber.co/news/adopting-regulations-standards-and-guidelines-to-build-safeguards-into-maritime-cyber-security-frameworks/
[31] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CYBERSECURITY-CONCERNS-FOR-THE-ENERGY-SECTOR-IN-THE-MARITIME-DOMAIN-v4.pdf

Read more