Posted: January 18th, 2023

Cyber Maritime Security – Threats and Counter Measures

Cyber Maritime Security – Threats and Counter Measures
Cyber maritime security refers to the protection of ships, ports, and other maritime infrastructure from cyber attacks. As the world becomes increasingly connected, ships and ports are becoming more dependent on computer systems and networks, which can make them vulnerable to cyber threats. In this article, we will discuss some of the common cyber threats facing the maritime industry and some of the countermeasures that can be taken to mitigate those threats.
One of the most significant cyber threats facing the maritime industry is the risk of a ship’s navigation systems being compromised. Ships rely on navigation systems to safely navigate through waterways and ports, and a compromise of these systems could put the ship and its crew in danger. For example, in 2017, a malware called “Marai” infected tens of thousands of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including some that controlled the navigation systems of a shipping company. The malware caused the navigation systems to malfunction, resulting in delays and loss of revenue for the company.
Another cyber threat to ships is the risk of their communication systems being compromised. Ships rely on communication systems to stay in contact with port authorities and other ships, and a compromise of these systems could disrupt operations and put lives in danger. In 2019, a malware called “Viking NetWeird” targeted the communication systems of shipping companies and infected over a hundred ships. The malware was able to take control of the ships’ communication systems, rendering them inoperable.
Ports are also vulnerable to cyber attacks, particularly attacks that target the control systems of port infrastructure. In 2013, the control systems of a port in the Middle East were compromised by a cyber attack, causing a significant disruption of port operations. The attackers were able to gain access to the control systems by exploiting vulnerabilities in the software used by the port. This incident demonstrated the potential for cyber attacks to cause physical damage and disruption to critical infrastructure.
To mitigate these risks, the maritime industry has implemented a number of countermeasures, including:
Network segmentation: this involves dividing a network into smaller subnetworks, which can make it more difficult for attackers to move laterally within a network and gain access to sensitive systems.
Firewalls and intrusion detection systems: these are used to block unauthorized access to networks and detect and respond to cyber attacks.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems: these systems collect and analyze security-related data from across an organization’s network in real-time. This allows organizations to quickly detect and respond to security incidents.
Cyber Risk Management: This is crucial for Maritime industry, as it helps to identify the risks and vulnerabilities that may expose ships and ports to cyber attacks, and develop a plan to address those risks. Regular Cyber Risk assessments are also to be conducted to check the overall security readiness.
Cybersecurity Training: This is key for employees to understand the importance of cybersecurity, identifying the threat, and how to prevent them. Regular training for crew and staff to help them understand their role in the cybersecurity of the organization.
Cyber incident response plan : This is a crucial document that outlines the procedures and protocols to be followed in the event of a cyber incident. Having a well-defined incident response plan can help organizations to minimize the impact of a cyber attack and resume normal operations more quickly.
The maritime industry faces a variety of cyber threats that could compromise the safety and security of ships, ports, and other maritime infrastructure. However, by implementing countermeasures such as network segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and incident response plans, the maritime industry can reduce the risk of cyber attacks and improve the resilience of its systems and networks. Additionally, Cyber Risk Management and Cybersecurity