Maritime Cyber Risk: Navigating the Digital Threats to the Shipping Industry

Published Date : 27 October 2025

Posted by : Sanya Mehra

The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade, is generally increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats as it embraces digital transformation. With more than 80% of global trade by volume transported by sea, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the sector's reliance on interconnected systems makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. From navigation systems to cargo management, the integration of technology has changed maritime operations, but also introduced significant cyber risks. This blog describes the nature of maritime cyber risks, their impact, and strategies to reduce them, providing a comprehensive guide for stakeholders in the shipping industry.

Cybersecurity at Sea: Why Is It Important

The maritime industry has, from the very beginning, been perceived as a physical industry, with risks centered around piracy, storms, or mechanical failures. However, the rapid adoption of digital technologies such as IoT, automated systems, and satellite communications has reinvented vessels into floating networks. According to a 2023 report by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), over 90% of commercial vessels now use some type of digital navigation or operational technology. These systems, while improving efficiency, make ships prone to cyber threats that can disturb operations, risk safety, and incur significant financial losses.
Cyber risks in the maritime industry are not theoretical. A 2021 study by the maritime cybersecurity firm CyberOwl found that cyber incidents in the shipping sector rose by 900% between 2017 and 2020. High-profile incidents, such as the 2017 NotPetya ransomware attack, which incurred the shipping giant Maersk an estimated USD 300 million, showcase the real-world consequences of improper cybersecurity. These incidents showcase the need for robust cyber risk management to protect vessels, ports, and supply chains.

Types of Maritime Cyber Risks

1. Corrupted Navigation System: Modern ships work and rely on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for navigation. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to manipulate GPS signals, a technique known as spoofing. In 2019, a report by the U.S. Coast Guard showed several instances of GPS spoofing in the Black Sea, which triggered vessels to misreport their positions, risking collisions or groundings.
2. Ransomware and Malware: Ransomware attacks, where hackers lock critical systems and demand payment, are a rising threat. The 2020 ransomware attack on the Port of Houston disturbed operations for days, highlighting vulnerabilities in port infrastructure. Malware can also infiltrate shipboard systems through phishing emails or unsecured USB drives, compromising operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems.
3. Supply Chain Attacks: The maritime supply chain consists of multiple stakeholders, including shipowners, port authorities, and logistics providers. A 2022 report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) discovered that 40% of maritime cyber incidents originated from third-party vendors with weak security protocols. Attackers exploit these weak links to gain access to broader, hefty networks.
4. Insider Threats: Crew members or shore-based personnel with access to sensitive systems can inadvertently or maliciously cause cyber incidents. A 2023 survey by the maritime insurance provider Gard revealed that 25% of maritime cyber incidents were linked to human error, such as clicking on phishing links or failing to update software.
5. Data Breaches: Vessels and ports handle huge amounts of sensitive data, including cargo manifests, crew details, and financial transactions. A data breach can result in identity theft, fraud, or the exposure of trade secrets. In 2020, the IMO stated a data breach in its public website, highlighting vulnerabilities in maritime data management.

The Impact of Cyber Incidents on the Maritime Industry

Maritime cyber incidents have various wide-ranging effects, driving safety, financial stability, and organizational reputation:

• Operational Disruptions: A cyberattack on a vessel’s propulsion or navigation systems can obstruct operations, leading to delays and financial losses. The 2017 NotPetya attack halted Maersk’s global operations for weeks, causing a ripple effect in the supply chain.
• Safety Risks: Tampered navigation systems can cause collisions, groundings, or environmental disasters. For instance, a hacked ECDIS could misguide a tanker carrying hazardous materials, increasing the possibility of spills or explosions.
• Financial Losses: The financial impact of cyber incidents is noticeable. A 2023 report predicted that a single cyberattack on a large shipping company could cost upwards of USD 250 million, including recovery, downtime, and legal fees.
• Regulatory Penalties: The IMO’s Resolution MSC.428(98), adopted in 2017, mandates that maritime operators incorporate cybersecurity into their Safety Management Systems (SMS). Non-compliance can lead to fines, detentions, or loss of certifications.
• Reputational Damage: A cyber incident can damage trust among customers, partners, and regulators, leading to long-term business losses.

Regulatory Framework and Industry Guidelines

Recognizing the growing threat, international bodies have launched regulations to improve maritime cybersecurity. The IMO’s guidelines on maritime cyber risk management, developed in 2017, necessitate shipowners to analyze and work towards eliminating cyber risks as part of their SMS. Furthermore, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has suggested a few ideas for safe onboarding systems, prioritizing the need for segmented networks and regular software updates. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2021 Cybersecurity Strategy for the Marine Transportation System describes measures to safeguard ports and vessels from cyber threats.

Despite these efforts, compliance remains a huge challenge. A 2023 study by the maritime consultancy BIMCO showed that only 60% of surveyed shipping companies had fully implemented the IMO’s cybersecurity guidelines, owing to resource constraints and a lack of expertise.

Strategies to Lower Maritime Cyber Risks

To deal with the complex landscape of maritime cyber risks, stakeholders must adopt proactive measures. Given below are the core strategies to enhance cybersecurity:

1. Perform Regular Risk Assessments: Shipowners and port operators should conduct regular cyber risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in their IT and OT systems. The IMO suggests using frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to guide these assessments.
2. Follow Robust Cybersecurity Training: Human error is a major cause of cyber incidents. Crew and shore-based personnel should be given regular training on recognizing phishing attempts, securing devices, and following cybersecurity protocols. In 2024, the maritime training provider DNV stated that companies with detailed training programs decreased cyber incidents by 30%.
3. Deploy Network Segmentation Practices: Segmenting IT and OT networks prevents attackers from moving laterally across systems. For instance, separating navigation systems from crew Wi-Fi networks reduces the chance of a single breach hampering critical operations.
4. Update and Patch Systems: Outdated software is a typical entry point for cyberattacks. Regular updates and patches for ECDIS, GNSS, and other systems are necessary. A 2023 report by the cybersecurity firm Sophos found that 69% of maritime cyber incidents misused known risks with available patches.
5. Leverage Advanced Technologies: Technologies like intrusion detection systems (IDS) and artificial intelligence-based threat monitoring can improve cybersecurity. For instance, AI can detect anomalies in network traffic, flagging potential threats before they increase.
6. Secure the Supply Chain: Vetting third-party vendors and enforcing strict cybersecurity standards across the supply chain is critical. The ENISA recommends using contractual clauses to ensure vendors comply with cybersecurity best practices.
   preparedness.

The Future of Maritime Cybersecurity

With the shipping sector experiencing rapid digitalization, cyber risks are expected to evolve with time. Innovative technologies like autonomous vessels and blockchain-driven logistics reveal new cybersecurity concerns. The Lloyd's Register reported that autonomous vessels are predicted to cover 15% of global shipping by 2030. Their reliance on remote control systems, however, leaves them particularly susceptible to cyberattacks.

Collaboration is important to solving these challenges. Industry stakeholders, governments, and cybersecurity experts must work collaboratively to develop benchmarks, share threat intelligence, and invest in research. Initiatives, including the Maritime Cybersecurity Operations Centre (MCSOC), launched in 2024, aim to provide real-time threat monitoring and support for the global maritime community.