Why Maritime Cyberattacks Are a Growing Concern
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines cyber-risks as potential threats to technology assets that could lead to operational failures, safety breaches, or security vulnerabilities due to compromised information or systems. The surge in cyberattacks in the digital age has exposed the maritime industry to considerable risks. The reasons for the surge of cyberattacks are:
- Increased digitalization: The maritime industry is rapidly adopting digital technologies for improved efficiency and connectivity, which introduces more cyber vulnerabilities.
- Complex supply chains: Maritime operations involve many interconnected systems and stakeholders, increasing the potential points of entry for cyberattacks.
- High-value targets: Ships and ports often carry valuable cargo and sensitive information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors.
- Legacy systems: The lack of cybersecurity integration during the design phase has left many maritime systems highly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Maritime cybersecurity includes a range of policies, best practices, and technologies to safeguard the entire maritime industry. As the maritime industry embraces digitalization, a balanced approach to converging Information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is crucial. OT focuses on monitoring and controlling industrial equipment through hardware and software, while IT pertains to information processing technologies.
Traditional IT security measures need to be integrated with specialized tools designed to meet the unique requirements of OT systems. To ensure comprehensive protection from evolving cyberthreats, the maritime industry must conduct thorough evaluations of all aspects of ship operations.