As ships continue becoming more connected, data-driven and digitally integrated, their systems – as well as the whole ship as system – require stronger protection against cyber threats. Across the maritime industry, attention to cyber security risks has been growing rapidly in recent years. This reflects the rising number of reported incidents, but also a changing risk landscape in which disruption at sea can have immediate safety, operational and commercial consequences.
Authors:
Ahmed Hassan, Global Cyber Security Manager, ABB’s Marine & Ports division
Ragnar Schierholz, Head of Innovation & Resilience, Cyber Security, ABB’s Energy Industries division
A 2025 report by research firm Thetius, with input from DNV subsidiary Cyber Owl and law firm HFW, suggested that the equivalent of one in five of the shipping companies had faced a cyberattack in the previous 12 months1. The report also claimed only 17 percent of shipyards felt they had adequate in-house expertise in designing and construct a cyber-secure vessel.
Subsequently, maritime cybersecurity specialist Cydome highlighted ransomware attacks on ships as increasing by 150 percent in 20252. Spoofing of GPS…
