Maritime Cybersecurity: Protecting Vessels from Ransomware Attacks

Overview:

• Ransomware is now a leading cyber threat to maritime operations and global trade. 
• Connected IT and OT systems increase cyber risks for modern vessels. 
• A single attack can disrupt navigation, communication, and safety systems. 
• Cyber resilience depends on training, segmentation, backups, and response plans. 
• Atekro helps operators secure fleets with tailored cybersecurity solutions. 

Ransomware has become one of the most serious threats facing modern maritime operations. It’s a type of malicious software that encrypts files or locks critical systems until a ransom is paid, often in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. 

As vessels rely more on digital systems for navigation, communication, and cargo management, even a single cyberattack can halt voyages, disrupt global supply chains, and endanger crews. The growing complexity of vessel technology, and the constant connection between ship and shore, has created new opportunities for attackers and new challenges for vessel owners. 

At Atekro, we help maritime operators stay ahead of these threats. Our cybersecurity services are designed to protect both IT and OT environments, ensuring that digital systems onboard remain secure, compliant, and fully operational. Through continuous monitoring, crew-focused cybersecurity awareness training, and network segmentation, we help prevent ransomware infections before they start and minimize disruption if one occurs. With this approach, maritime organizations can strengthen cyber resilience, safeguard critical systems, and maintain uninterrupted operations, even as cyber risks continue to evolve.

According to recent U.S. Coast Guard data, ransomware accounts for a quarter of reported maritime cyber incidents, and the average cost of a breach reached $4.4 million. Understanding the threat is the first step toward protecting what matters most. It means knowing how ransomware affects both IT and OT systems, and why resilience is key to keeping maritime operations safe and reliable. 

How ransomware affects maritime operations

When most people think about maritime risks, their minds go to rough seas, piracy, or mechanical failure. Unlike a storm, ransomware doesn’t come with warning signs on the horizon, it arrives through a single infected email, an exposed network port, or an overlooked software vulnerability.  

Once inside, it can paralyze a vessel’s digital backbone, leaving owners and operators with a stark choice: pay a ransom or lose critical systems that keep the vessel safe and operational. For maritime operators, ransomware is a potential safety, business continuity, and reputational disaster. And because the industry is rapidly digitalizing, the attack surface is growing faster than many organizations can defend against, making cyber resilience critical to maritime operations.  

Consider a modern vessel: navigation is digital, engine management systems are connected, and cargo operations rely on automated controls. When ransomware infects these environments, it can jam communication between bridge and engine room, or freeze the software that manages ballast water. The result? A vessel that cannot navigate safely, cannot dock efficiently, or even cannot sail at all. 

Attackers know this. They count on the high stakes of maritime operations to pressure victims into paying quickly. When a vessel is stuck offshore with its systems locked, delays ripple through the supply chain.  

Why vessels are prime targets for cybercriminals 

The maritime sector is uniquely vulnerable to ransomware because vessels are now highly connected but often poorly defended. Modern vessels have become floating data centers, dependent on continuous connectivity to support operations and crew welfare. Yet, this digital reliance also increases exposure to cyber threats across the shipping industry. 

• Bridge systems: Tools like GPS, radar etc. are now heavily digitized. A ransomware attack on these systems could blind a vessel mid-voyage or cause navigational errors. 

• Cargo and ballast systems: Automated control of cargo loading/unloading and ballast water management means any downtime here directly delays port operations, creating financial and logistical chaos. 

• Engine control systems: Automated management of propulsion and machinery means a ransomware attack here can immobilize a vessel or disrupt critical operations. 

• Communications: Digital platforms for customs applications, maintenance schedules, and parts ordering are vital for efficient operations; a ransomware attack can disrupt these workflows, leading to delays and compliance issues. 

• Crew welfare networks: Internet access for crew members is essential for morale, enabling activities like staying in touch with family, online banking, and paying bills, but these networks are often less secure and provide a convenient entry point for attackers. 

• Vessel-to-shore integration: Data is constantly exchanged between vessel and headquarters. If these communication channels aren’t secured, ransomware can easily move from office systems to vessels or vice versa. 

Adding to this is the reality that vessels often run legacy operating systems and software that are difficult to patch or upgrade. Unlike office environments, where IT teams can quickly deploy updates, vessels may operate for weeks or months without docking, meaning vulnerabilities can remain open far longer. For cybercriminals, this combination of connectivity, high-value targets, and delayed security updates makes shipping an irresistible target. 

Cybersecurity risks in maritime IT and OT systems 

In the maritime industry, cybersecurity is complicated by the coexistence of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology). IT covers networks, communications, and administrative functions such as email, reporting, and crew management. OT, on the other hand, governs physical shipboard systems: propulsion, steering, navigation, cargo handling, environmental controls and emergency systems such as fire suppression and evacuation controls. 

Historically, these systems operated independently. But as vessels become more connected, those lines have started to blur, creating both new efficiencies and new risks. Integrated bridge systems and remote monitoring mean that IT and OT are now more interconnected than ever. Unfortunately, ransomware thrives in such environments. 

How ransomware impacts vessel IT systems 

If ransomware infects vessel IT systems, the vessel may lose access to vital documents like manifests, cargo lists, or compliance reporting tools. Other affected IT systems can include crew databases, payroll and HR records, maintenance logs, email and digital communication platforms, customs and regulatory apps, and even entertainment or welfare systems.  

Disruption of these systems can delay port entry, customs clearance, crew changes, and communication with shore-side offices, while also risking data breaches and regulatory penalties 

The impact on OT systems at sea 

If ransomware spreads to critical vessel OT systems, the consequences can be far more dangerous. Imagine losing control of propulsion while navigating a narrow channel or losing access to engine monitoring systems during a transoceanic crossing. Such attacks can compromise the physical safety of the vessel and crew, disrupt critical operations, and even lead to environmental incidents if systems like ballast water management or fire suppression are affected. 

The converged risk environment 

This interconnectedness creates what cybersecurity experts call a “converged risk environment.” In practical terms, it means ransomware on vessels is about physical safety, environmental risks, and operational shutdowns. The blending of IT and OT systems increases the attack surface, making it possible for a single infection to cascade across multiple domains, amplifying the impact and complicating recovery efforts. 

Why ransomware is a critical cyber threat for vessel owners 

The maritime industry has always been risk-aware, but ransomware introduces challenges that are harder to calculate and insure against than traditional risks. Several factors make ransomware a uniquely critical risk for vessels: 

Operational disruption 
Downtime at sea isn’t measured in minutes or hours, it can delay entire voyages, disrupt global supply chains, and block critical trade routes. A ransomware attack that locks down systems during port operations can cascade into weeks of delays across multiple voyages. 

Safety at sea 
Unlike most industries, maritime ransomware incidents directly threaten human lives. If navigational systems are unavailable or propulsion is compromised, the vessel, crew, and cargo are at risk. Safety of life at sea is non-negotiable, and ransomware threatens the very core of maritime safety culture. 

Regulatory & insurance impacts 
Authorities such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Coast Guard, and Vessel Class Societies have issued guidelines requiring cyber risk management as part of Safety Management Systems (SMS). Insurers are also tightening requirements, often demanding proof of cyber resilience before issuing or renewing coverage. Failing to address ransomware risk can mean non-compliance and higher premiums.

Financial damage 
Beyond ransom payments, operators face substantial costs from downtime, contractual penalties, reputational damage, and potential regulatory fines. In some cases, the financial impact of a single ransomware incident can exceed the value of the ransom itself by many times. 

Building maritime cyber resilience: a layered defense strategy 

The good news is that ransomware isn’t unstoppable. With the right strategy, vessel operators can significantly reduce the risk of infection and mitigate the impact of an attack. Building resilience requires a layered approach that addresses both technical defenses and human factors. 

Establish a robust response plan
Have a clear incident response plan in place that includes regular risk assessments, defined reporting and escalation procedures, and an assigned safety officer responsible for coordinating actions. Ensure all crew members know their roles and communication channels, and rehearse the plan through tabletop exercises to maintain readiness for ransomware incidents. 

Empower and train crews for cyber awareness
The majority of ransomware infections begin with human error , an employee clicking a malicious link or using an infected USB drive. Regular, scenario-based training helps crews recognize phishing attempts and understand safe digital practices. Crew members should be encouraged to treat cyber hygiene with the same seriousness as physical safety drills. 

Protect operations by segregating IT & OT networks
Properly segmented networks limit the ability of ransomware to spread. Firewalls, virtual LANs, and strict access controls can ensure that even if IT systems are infected, OT systems remain protected. Segmentation should be tested regularly to confirm effectiveness. 

Regular backups & recovery plans
Reliable, encrypted backups are a cornerstone of ransomware defense. These backups should be stored offline or in secure environments that ransomware cannot reach, such as isolated local drives and protected cloud storage. 

Utilizing both local and cloud recovery systems ensures redundancy and faster restoration, even if one backup source is compromised. Equally important is having a tested recovery plan, crews must know how to restore systems quickly without waiting for shore-side support, and regular drills should confirm that both local and cloud backups can be accessed and restored under real-world conditions.  

Patch & update management
Cybercriminals thrive on unpatched vulnerabilities. While updating shipboard systems can be challenging, a structured patch management process, including pre-deployment testing and remote update capabilities, can close critical security gaps. 

Coordination with shore-side teams
Vessels cannot be expected to handle ransomware incidents in isolation. Strong coordination with company headquarters, cybersecurity specialists, and external responders ensures that crews have immediate support when incidents occur. 

Conclusion  

Ransomware has shifted the cyber threat landscape in maritime from theoretical to existential. The consequences are uniquely severe: lives, the environment, global supply chains, and the financial stability of shipping companies are all at stake. 

For maritime operators, this means cybersecurity must be treated not as an IT issue but as an operational and safety imperative. Ransomware resilience is about ensuring vessels can sail safely, cargo can move efficiently, and crews can perform their duties without digital disruptions. 

By investing in training, strong cyber security defenses, incident planning, and collaboration, the maritime industry can transform ransomware from a looming existential threat into a manageable risk.  

At Atekro, we help maritime operators strengthen their cyber defenses with tailored solutions that protect both IT and OT systems. From continuous monitoring and crew awareness training to secure network design and compliance support, our goal is to keep your fleet connected, compliant, and resilient. 

Contact Atekro today to discuss a defense plan that protects your vessels and keeps your maritime operations moving securely. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ransomware in maritime operations?

Ransomware is malware that locks systems or encrypts files until a ransom is paid, often halting critical vessel functions.

How do cybercriminals infiltrate vessels?

Common entry points include phishing emails, insecure ports, outdated software, and vulnerable crew networks.

Can ransomware affect both IT and OT systems?

Yes. IT disruptions affect communication and reporting, while OT infections threaten navigation, propulsion, and cargo systems.

How can vessel owners build resilience?

By combining crew training, network segmentation, secure backups, and coordinated response planning.

What regulations apply to maritime cyber risk management?

Key regulations include the IMO’s Resolution MSC.428(98) and updated cyber risk guidance MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.3, along with U.S. Coast Guard cyber guidelines and cybersecurity requirements from classification societies (e.g., DNV, ABS).