The Result of Maritime Cybersecurity Struggling to Catch Up: Cybersecurity Now Moving Up the Agenda
For years, the maritime industry has lagged behind when it comes to cybersecurity—some estimates place it nearly a decade behind other industries. But as cyberattacks escalate and vulnerabilities become more apparent, security investments and risk awareness are finally moving to the forefront.
The reality is stark: cybercriminals are increasingly targeting maritime operations. According to a recent DNV survey, 31% of maritime industry professionals reported at least one cyber infiltration in the twelve months leading up to October 2024. That’s a massive jump from 17% in 2023.
This surge in attacks isn’t just a coincidence. The maritime industry’s reliance on outdated systems, coupled with the growing interconnectivity of IT and OT systems, has created a perfect storm of vulnerabilities. Cyber threats are no longer limited to data breaches—recent incidents have demonstrated direct threats to operational infrastructure, such as port cranes and cargo management systems being compromised by hostile entities.
A Growing Global Threat
Cyberattacks on European ports in 2023, linked to nation-state hackers, underscored the growing risk. Ports are critical to global supply chains, and any disruption—whether from ransomware, data breaches, or operational sabotage—has widespread economic and security implications.
Perhaps even more concerning, hostile actors have been caught planting surveillance tools in cargo-handling equipment, raising red flags about the potential for espionage, sabotage, and national security risks. Military vessels frequently share port space with commercial cargo ships, making these locations high-value targets for cyber operations.
Security by Design: The Path to Maritime Cyber Resilience
So, how does the industry close the cybersecurity gap? The answer lies in security by design. This approach ensures that cybersecurity isn’t an afterthought—it is built into the development, procurement, and deployment of new software, operational technology, and infrastructure.
Cyber professionals across the maritime sector must collaborate from the ground up, integrating security at every stage of the technology lifecycle. This includes:
✔ Proactive risk assessments before adopting new technologies
✔ Strengthening OT security for cargo handling, navigation, and automation systems
✔ Strict supply chain security to prevent vulnerabilities in third-party software and equipment
✔ Continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities to detect and mitigate attacks in real time
Balancing Innovation and Risk
One of the most surprising takeaways from the DNV survey was that 61% of industry professionals said they are willing to accept an increase in cyber risk as the cost of innovation. While innovation is necessary to stay competitive, it cannot come at the expense of security. The maritime industry must take control of its cyber risk to protect critical IT and OT assets.
The Bottom Line
Cyberattacks on maritime infrastructure are no longer hypothetical—they are happening now, with increasing frequency and severity. The industry must move beyond outdated security models and embrace cybersecurity as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance requirement.
In 2025, maritime organizations that prioritize cyber resilience, security-by-design, and proactive defense strategies will be the ones that thrive in an increasingly volatile threat landscape.
Are your maritime cybersecurity defenses up to the challenge? Now is the time to assess, adapt, and secure your operations for the future.
Contact Saturn Partners today to fortify your maritime cybersecurity strategy.