Historically, cyber-attacks have traditionally focused on attempts to obtain personal or financially sensitive data. However, by their very nature, cyber threats are opportunistic, and so present constantly shifting challenges.
While shipping is considered a ‘key’ or ‘essential’ sector in many economies and has remained as busy (if not busier) than ever, notwithstanding the current pandemic-related issues, its unique features present skilled and creative hackers with a plethora of opportunities to take advantage of the wide range of industrial control systems employed throughout this vital area. A limited snapshot of these systems include port and ship-based cargo handling and container tracking systems, waterway access systems, navigation and propulsion systems, and automated processes to name just a few. Many of these systems rely on smooth and efficient operation, meaning that especially now, cyber-attacks can be all the more damaging.
Cyber-attacks can also have criminal motivations (as seen in Antwerp between 2011 and 2013) to highjack, divert, or steal cargo. Events over the last four years suggest that these types of systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable…
