Top 5 maritime cyber threats – and how to stop them

The maritime industry powers over 80% of the world’s trade. But with that scale comes exposure. As vessels, ports, and supply chains become more connected, they’ve also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. Modern vessels are floating data centers. From navigation systems to cargo logistics and crew welfare platforms, everything is connected. Unfortunately, that also means every system is a potential entry point for cyber attackers. Cybersecurity is therefore a critical factor in maritime safety, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance. In this blog, we explore the evolving threats cyber-attacks pose to maritime security and explain why robust cybersecurity is essential for the maritime industry.

5 critical cyber targets in maritime operations 

Here are the 5 main cyber targets the maritime sector faces today:

Manipulation of navigation systems

Attackers can interfere with GPS, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), which are essential tools for vessel navigation. A cybercriminal doesn’t need to hijack a ship physically—they can simply feed false data to onboard systems. Manipulation of navigation, propulsion, or other critical systems can jeopardize the safety of the vessel, crew, and environment.

Real-world example: In recent years, multiple commercial vessels have reported GPS interference and spoofing incidents—including in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Black Sea—where ships appeared miles from their actual location or lost satellite navigation entirely. Such tampering can lead to course deviations, collisions, groundings, or unauthorized entry into restricted waters. (Shipping Telegraph , 2024) (MariTrace, 2024)

Port and terminal disruption

Ports rely on complex logistics systems to manage cargo handling, crane operations, customs clearances, and more. A cyber-attack can paralyze an entire terminal, halting operations, delaying shipments, and racking up millions in lost revenue and downtime.

Real-world example: In August 2024, the Port of Seattle was hit by a ransomware attack linked to the Rhysida group. Critical systems at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport went offline—including baggage handling, passenger information displays, and internal communication tools. Staff had to resort to manual operations. The breach compromised the personal data of over 90,000 individuals, including Social Security numbers and medical information. (Port of Seattle, 2024) National CIO Review, 2025)

Ransomware targeting vessels and onshore operations

Ransomware attacks encrypt critical systems and demand payment for their release. Vessels or port operators hit with ransomware can be forced to halt operations, exposing them to significant safety risks and business losses. Vessels operate on tight delivery schedules. Any unexpected downtime, especially while at sea, can lead to contractual penalties and ripple effects across the supply chain. Cyberattacks can result in significant financial losses due to downtime, repairs, and reputational damage.

Theft of sensitive operational data

Cyber criminals may steal cargo manifests, route planning data, or crew information to gain a competitive advantage or sell on the dark web. Intellectual property theft and data breaches not only damage reputations but can also compromise business deals and strategic operations. Cyberattacks can expose sensitive data, including passenger information, cargo details, and operational documentation.

Control over diverse OT (Operational Technology) systems

In older vessels, OT systems such as engine control or HVAC systems were isolated. Today, many are connected to IT networks for monitoring and efficiency—making them vulnerable to attack. A breach of these systems could lead to physical damage, pollution, or even loss of life. Vulnerable systems include:

• Propulsion, machinery, and power control systems
• Cargo handling systems
• Communication networks
• Public Wi-Fi and crew welfare systems
• Human error (e.g., phishing attacks targeting crew or shore personnel)

Why shipping cannot ignore cybersecurity 

For a long time, the maritime industry lagged behind other sectors in cybersecurity. Ships were seen as too isolated, and ports too traditional. That’s no longer the case. Cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of maritime safety for five key reasons:

Safety at sea

Modern vessels are increasingly reliant on digital systems for navigation, communication, and operational control. Cyber-attacks that compromise these systems can have dire consequences. For instance, disabling radar during poor weather or tampering with GPS data to mislead a vessel into restricted waters poses significant risks to crew safety and environmental protection. Such incidents can lead to collisions, grounding, or environmental disasters, underscoring the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Regulatory compliance

The maritime industry is now subject to multiple regulations mandating cybersecurity measures:

• International Safety Management (ISM) Code: Ensures that companies implement safeguards, including cybersecurity, to maintain operational safety.
• IMO Resolution MSC.428(98): Requires all Safety Management Systems (SMS) under the ISM Code to address cyber risks. Compliance is mandatory, and failure can lead to vessel detention, fines, or insurance issues.
• IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.3: Provides best-practice guidelines for managing cyber risks across ships, ports, terminals, and stakeholders.
• International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: Sets the framework for ship and port security, encompassing cyber threats.
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Requires vessels and port facilities to implement security plans addressing cyber threats.
• Classification Societies: Verify and certify vessels’ cyber risk management compliance with IMO and industry standards.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Provides practical cybersecurity standards for risk management and system resilience.
• EU NIS2 Directive: Requires EU member states to enforce cybersecurity measures for operators of essential services, including maritime entities, by October 2024.

Non-compliance can result in regulatory penalties, operational delays, and reputational damage. Together, these frameworks ensure vessels and ports maintain both legal compliance and operational resilience.

Operational continuity

Vessels and ports depend on interconnected digital systems for various operations, including cargo handling, navigation, and communication. Cyber incidents that disrupt these systems can halt operations, leading to delays, financial losses, and reputational damage. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures ensures the resilience of these systems, allowing for continuous and secure operations even under adverse conditions.

Protecting global trade

Given that maritime shipping is the lifeline of the global economy, a successful attack on a major shipping line or port could have far-reaching consequences. It could disrupt supply chains, delay deliveries, and even trigger economic instability.

Reputation and trust

A single cyber incident can severely damage the reputation of a shipping company. Clients may lose trust, insurance premiums may increase, and long-standing contracts may be jeopardized. Trust is paramount in the maritime industry, and robust cybersecurity practices help preserve this trust by demonstrating a commitment to safety, reliability, and compliance.

Core components of an effective maritime cyber strategy 

Effective maritime cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and antivirus software. It requires a strategic approach across several areas:

Network segmentation

Separating IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) networks is critical to prevent a breach in one system from spreading to others. OT systems, like navigation, propulsion, and cargo management, often operate on older protocols and are more vulnerable. By isolating these networks and implementing firewalls, VLANs, and strict access policies, maritime organizations can contain threats, limit operational disruption, and reduce the potential for cascading failures.

Role-based access control

Not everyone on board or in a port needs access to every system. RBAC ensures that users have only the privileges necessary for their role, minimizing the risk of insider threats or accidental misconfigurations. This includes secure credential management, strict onboarding and offboarding procedures for crew and contractors, and regular access reviews.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive systems. MFA provides an additional verification step, such as a one-time code or biometric check, making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. Even if login credentials are stolen during a phishing attack, MFA can stop intruders from gaining access to sensitive systems such as electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) or fleet management platforms.

Employee training

Human error remains one of the greatest cybersecurity risks. Crew members, terminal operators, and shore staff must be trained to identify phishing emails, avoid weak passwords, and follow secure operational procedures. Ongoing cybersecurity awareness training also ensures personnel understand how to report suspicious activity promptly, participate in incident response exercises, and stay current with evolving cyber threats. A culture of cybersecurity awareness can be as important as technical defenses.

Incident response planning

Even the best defenses can fail, which is why a well-defined, regularly tested incident response plan is essential. This plan should include procedures for isolating affected systems, restoring critical functions, communicating with stakeholders, and complying with reporting requirements such as those outlined by IMO guidance. Prompt, coordinated responses minimize downtime, protect crew and cargo, and help maintain regulatory compliance.

Regular audits and updates

Continuously assess systems for vulnerabilities. Apply software and firmware updates promptly and verify security policies are consistently applied.

24/7/365 Threat Monitoring

Cyber threats don’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule. Continuous monitoring of networks, endpoints, and critical OT systems detects anomalies and potential intrusions in real time, allowing rapid intervention before issues escalate. Integrating automated alerting, threat intelligence feeds, and centralized logging strengthens situational awareness and ensures that security teams can respond effectively to emerging threats anywhere in the vessel or port ecosystem.

Conclusion 

Cyber-attacks are no longer a hypothetical threat in the maritime world. They’re real, costly, and increasingly sophisticated. Whether it’s a ransomware attack halting a port’s operations or hackers manipulating a vessel’s navigation, the consequences are far-reaching. But with awareness, preparation, and the right technology partners, the maritime industry can rise to the challenge.  Atekro specializes in building customized cybersecurity and IT solutions for maritime operations. From secure connectivity and disaster recovery to 24/7 monitoring and crew welfare, we ensure your vessels and operations stay safe, compliant, and connected.

Contact us to learn more.

Sources:

https://unctad.org/news/shipping-data-unctad-releases-new-seaborne-trade-statistics 

https://shippingtelegraph.com/shipping-news/ship-captains-report-gps-interference-in-strait-of-hormuz 

https://www.ww3.maritrace.com/post/electronic-interference-in-the-persian-gulf 

https://www.portseattle.org/news/port-seattle-providing-notice-individuals-affected-fall-2024-cyberattackhttps://therecord.media/port-of-seattle-says-90000-impacted-in-2024-ransomware-attack?

https://nationalcioreview.com/articles-insights/extra-bytes/port-of-seattle-confirms-90000-victims-in-2024-ransomware-attack/