Common Cyber Threats in the Maritime Industry
Cyberattacks affect the marine industry in our increasingly linked world. Cybercriminals have developed new ways to exploit ship vulnerabilities by using navigation, communication, and cargo management technology.
Malware
Malware refers to destructive programs like viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware. This malware can enter ship systems and cause slight to significant disturbances.
The NotPetya malware assault on Maersk 2017 cost $300 million and disrupted operations for several days.
Malware may infiltrate ships via email attachments, USB devices, or corrupted websites. IT may interrupt operations, steal data, or open doors to further assaults.
Phishing
Cybercriminals employ phishing to steal login passwords and financial data. They use fake emails and websites.
Verizon found 22% of data breaches involved phishing in 2020.
Phishing attacks can target marine personnel, administrative workers, and executives. These assaults can grant unauthorised ship system access, financial losses, and data breaches.
Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts a victim’s data and locks it until a ransom is paid. Data is essential for navigation, cargo management, and communication in the marine sector, making this disastrous.
According to Palo Alto Networks, the average ransom payment in 2020 was $312,493.
Ransomware attacks may delay delivery and cost transportation companies a lot of money. Paying the ransom doesn’t ensure data restoration or protection from future attacks.
Risks
Not all cyber threats are external. Also concerning are insider threats, where workers or contractors purposefully or inadvertently damage security.
According to IBM, insider threats accounted for 23% of cyber incidents in 2020.
Disgruntled marine workers wanting retribution and well-meaning personnel making blunders are insider dangers. Threats can cause data breaches, operational interruptions, and financial losses.
GPS Spoofing
False GPS signals are sent to a ship’s navigation systems to miscalculate its position. This can cause navigational mistakes, crashes, and grounding.
Over 20 Black Sea ships reported GPS spoofing in 2017, mislocating themselves by many kilometres.
Criminals can employ GPS spoofing to send ships to unsafe regions or disrupt marine activities. This complex attack threatens the sector but demands technical expertise.
DoS Attacks
Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks flood systems with traffic, making them useless. DoS attacks can target ship communication, port operations, and administrative networks in the maritime industry.
DoS attacks cost $20,000 to $100,000 per hour, according to NETSCOUT.
DoS attacks can cut ship-to-shore connections, delay cargo processing, and cost money. These strikes often distract from more devastating ones.
Leaking Sensitive Data
Data breaches entail unlawful access to crew, cargo, and financial data. These breaches can be triggered by malware, phishing, or insiders.
IBM found that 2020 data breaches cost $3.86 million on average.
Data breaches in marine incur financial losses, reputational harm, and regulatory fines. Maintaining trust and operational security requires protecting sensitive data.
Conclusion
Cyberattacks on the marine industry are varied and developing. Harmful malware, phishing, ransomware, and GPS spoofing all have serious repercussions. A strong cybersecurity plan starts with understanding these typical risks.
Cybersecurity for your fleet needs technology, legislation, and education. A cybersecurity plan requires regular risk assessments, effective access restrictions, updated technology, and personnel training. Staying aware and proactive helps you negotiate maritime cybersecurity and keep your ship running smoothly.
If you are looking for qualified personnel in the maritime or IT industry, our experienced recruiters can help you find the best talent for your projects. Contact us at info@sperton.com!