Importance of cybersecurity in maritime

The maritime industry is upgrading with digitalisation and integrating technology into various maritime activities to increase operational efficiency and productivity. The extreme reliance on technology in maritime operations has increased the risks of cyber threats in maritime. To overcome these risks, cybersecurity in maritime helps in taking measures to identify and prevent malicious activities that can sabotage maritime shipping.

What do you mean by cybersecurity in maritime?

With technological advancements, the supply chain has integrated various technologies to help in better management and optimisation of supply chain processes. The maritime industry has followed the same path and integrated technologies to automate port operations and improve efficiency by minimising human input. When multiple systems and technologies are being used in maritime shipping, the risks of cyber threats increase. Cybersecurity in the maritime industry is implementing measures and practices to overcome cyber threats and protect the IT systems, networks and information stored across various systems in the maritime industry.

An increase in reliance on technology for implementing all major maritime activities, including port operations and the activities in the offshore maritime facility, has led to an emerging need to safeguard all systems from cyber attacks. Since all port operations are interconnected, intrusions in any system can also offer a loophole in other connected systems. Therefore, addressing all potential cybersecurity concerns has become crucial to preserving the safety, security, and uninterrupted working of maritime operations by minimising, tackling, and eliminating all possible cyber threats. The maritime industry and its reliance on digital technologies and addressing cybersecurity concerns are vital to maintaining maritime operations’ safety, security, and efficiency on a global scale.

Cybersecurity threats in maritime

The rising technological reliance has opened a portal into various cybersecurity threats that can cause disruptions in the global supply chain. The various types of cyber threats in maritime include-

1. Malware attacks — The IT systems in maritime industries are exposed to encountering various types of malicious software, including viruses and Trojans. This malware can infect maritime IT systems, thereby disrupting port and voyage operations, causing theft of sensitive data, and even encrypting high-profile information to ask for ransom for releasing the files.
2. Unauthorised intrusions — Cybercrimes in maritime often involve risks of unauthorised access where cybercriminals attempt to gain a window into the IT systems at ports, vessels, or other maritime infrastructures. By getting access to the systems, cybercriminals can manipulate data or steal valuable information and disrupt the security of the maritime supply chain.
3. Cybersecurity awareness — All personnel working in the maritime sector must be trained and informed about cyber threats and measures to implement cybersecurity practices. Lack of awareness about the types, causes and roots of cyber threats or failure to train maritime personnel about cybersecurity best practices expose the maritime industry to cyber threats. In such cases, chances of human errors increase as untrained personnel may click on malicious links and make the IT systems more vulnerable to illicit cyber activity.
4. Phishing — Cyber criminals don’t need to hack into maritime systems to get access. Sometimes, they use phishing emails or social engineering techniques that seem genuine but aim to manipulate and trick the personnel into entering sensitive information, such as passwords, login credentials and other codes that can make the systems susceptible to cyber attacks. This way, it becomes easier for hackers to get access to crucial information.

Importance of cybersecurity in maritime shipping

The benefit of cybersecurity in maritime is as follows-

1. Navigational security — Vessels in voyage can be hacked to display false data to expose them to piracy and hijacks. Cybersecurity in maritime shipping helps ensure the safety of navigation systems, especially the Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), as the vessel relies on them for routing and traffic management. It helps prevent accidents such as vessel collisions with other vessels, icebergs, floating abandoned containers, etc.
2. Uninterrupted supply chain — Since the maritime industry is technologically updated and heavily relies on digital systems for port and vessel operations and maritime communication, it is essential to secure the IT systems by all means. Cyberattacks can manipulate these systems, causing operational downtime and shipping delays, eventually leading to economic losses. Cybersecurity helps prevent and combat the risks of cyber threats.
3. Prevent cargo theft- Data about cargo specifications, such as its value, is sensitive as hackers can leak information, making the cargo susceptible to piracy. Cybersecurity measures protect the cargo management systems to ensure cargo security.
4. Data privacy — The organisation working in the maritime domain handles highly sensitive profile information. These include cargo specifications, vessel schedules, transactions and details of various shipping parties. It is essential to protect the confidentiality and privacy of data from any breach or unauthorised access.

These are the benefits of cybersecurity in maritime shipping that allow uninterrupted supply chain operations across the globe.

LOTUS Containers is a shipping container service provider that sells and leases shipping containers suitable for maritime shipping.