In 2024, maritime cybersecurity remains crucial as the industry faces escalating cyber threats, with risks rising alongside increased vessel connectivity and, as in other global industries, the maritime sector faces increasing cyber threats, with risks escalating rapidly due to the expanding connectivity of vessels.
As vessels become internet-connected at a faster pace, charterers are grappling with diverse practices and regulations governing data and communication, which add complexity to maintaining security.
Establishing a clear “information governance” structure is essential. This involves securing email communications, controlling document access, enabling secure data exchange, and protecting competitive information. With solid information governance, organizations can safeguard their enterprise data, extract meaningful insights, and mitigate compliance risks.
A key solution is implementing dedicated software platforms that incorporate comprehensive security procedures, helping streamline data handling. However, it’s critical to go beyond software capabilities to proactively counter the increasingly sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals that threaten both onboard and onshore operations.
The Evolution of Maritime Connectivity: From Dial-Up to Starlink
Today’s vessels are floating data centers, constantly connected to the internet and vulnerable to cyber threats.
But this connectivity is relatively new. The evolution of maritime connectivity has been rapid – and revolutionary:
This connectivity enhances efficiency but also increases vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of maritime cybersecurity.
According to Thetius, a leading maritime innovation and technology research firm, the very thing that makes modern shipping operations efficient—constant connectivity—also makes them the most vulnerable. Maritime connectivity is transforming vessels into powerful, floating data centers—highly connected yet exposed to constant cyber threats. This connectivity enhances efficiency but also amplifies vulnerabilities, especially as the number of connected ships is expected to surge from nearly 50,000 in 2021 to 75,000 within five years.
The shift has also meant a rise in insecure data exchanges, often via email, a primary entry point for cyberattacks. When an industry so reliant on precise timing and operations is hit, the consequences can be significant.
One core issue is that many maritime internet solutions weren’t designed with security in mind. From navigation systems to crew devices, nearly any connected equipment can become an entry point for cyber threats.
Common maritime Cybersecurity Threats
This constant online exposure, while vital for efficiency and data-driven operations, opens the door to numerous cyber threats targeting both vessel infrastructure and operational continuity, such as:
- Phishing Attacks: In phishing, fake emails are sent by cyber criminals to users who may reveal their personal information or even click on malicious links. This was by far the most common cyber attack in 2023, reported by 60% of maritime companies.
- Ransomware: These are malware that encrypt an organization’s systems and data until a ransom payment is made, potentially shutting down all shipping operations. For instance, in July 2023 the Port of Nagoya (the largest port city in Japan) was knocked out — which interrupted the operations and caused a huge mess in the whole Southeast Asia operations.
- GPS Spoofing and Jamming: Disruption of a ship’s navigation system, leading to potentially diverting it off course which could be fatal for the ships navigating mostly in congested or sensitive waters. In June 2017, over twenty ships that were sailing through the Black Sea reported that their GPS Systems showed their locations were at an airport thirty-two kilometers inland.
Best Practices for Safeguarding Maritime Ops
Understanding these prevalent cyber risks is only the first step; the real challenge lies in effectively countering them. For maritime organizations, implementing best practices to safeguard against these threats is essential to ensure resilience.
But how can charterers, who are already overwhelmed with paperwork and emails, safeguard their operations?
Cybersecurity Training
Training your crew to understand how to protect their operations online is just as indispensable as their training to protect their vessels from physical attacks – cyberattacks can be a real threat, as we learned about the GPS Spoofing and Jammings before.
But notably, it is critical to get a careful balance. Training needs to be linked to daily assignments so that knowledge and practical experience are in tune, promoting lifelong learning culture by valuing quality over quantity.
Following IMO Guidelines for Safeguarding Data
Cyber threats in the maritime world are also recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with guidelines being issued specifically for this industry. These standards are contained in Resolution MSC.428(98), and establish a framework for enabling the integration of cyber risk management with existing safety management systems as defined by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
This involves identifying critical assets, protecting systems from potential breaches, detecting cyber events swiftly, and having robust plans for response and recovery, providing recommendations that can be incorporated into existing risk management processes.
Managing Your Operations on a Dedicated and Secure Platform
A dedicated maritime platform offers multiple layers of security and efficiency that help mitigate cyber risks while streamlining operations. All data exchanged on the platform is encrypted, significantly reducing the risk of interception or tampering. Secure messaging features protect communication channels, minimizing the chances of phishing attacks or unauthorized access.
By operating within a closed ecosystem that limits outside providers, the platform helps reduce third-party risks and avoid common pitfalls like outdated operating systems, outdated antivirus software, and poor access controls. This approach also cuts down paperwork, reducing the likelihood of human error and increasing operational efficiency.
Furthermore, an intuitive, secure system reduces the need for constant cybersecurity training, enabling teams to stay focused without constantly updating against emerging threats. A trusted, secure platform is a strong defense, keeping cybersecurity top-of-mind without overwhelming the workforce.
[TIP] SOC2 Compliance: maritime cybersecurity gold standard
This framework was developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and has been adopted across many maritime SaaS companies.
SOC 2 is about how third-party service providers store and process client data in a secure environment. The service centered on five “trust service principles”: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. For organizations that manage sensitive data, this is an essential framework.
Voyager Portal is SOC 2 compliant, showing that we take data protection and information security very seriously. Some of our best practices include regular code review, security assessment, and integration at every stage of our development life cycle. We are proactive by addressing possible vulnerabilities before they pose a threat.
These are only a few things we do to keep our SOC 2 Type II Certification up-to-date; proof that client info is guarded like Fort Knox with the tightest security procedures around.
Our SOC 2 compliance independent verification that we have instituted strong controls protecting customer data regarding confidentiality, integrity, and the availability of information. It also certifies that we follow established industry standards in securing sensitive information.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the maritime industry must proactively combine advanced technology with a strong cybersecurity culture to withstand sophisticated attacks. To stay ahead of cybercriminals, organizations must employ rigorous security controls and maintain vigilance, ensuring they remain one step ahead in the fight against potential breaches.
For vessel operators and charterers alike, investing in these defenses not only protects individual operations but also strengthens the industry as a whole, ensuring a resilient future in an interconnected world.
