Cyber at Sea: Securing the Maritime Industry in the Digital Age

In 2017, a cyberattack disrupted operations at major ports around the world, forcing terminals to shut down, halting cargo flows and exposing the vulnerability of global maritime logistics. What began as an IT incident quickly escalated into a global supply chain crisis, affecting one of the world’s largest shipping companies.

Nearly a decade later, the lesson remains clear. As the maritime industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, it is also becoming a growing target for cyber threats.

From smart ports and connected vessels to offshore platforms and logistics networks, the maritime domain is growing increasingly dependent on digital systems. With that dependence comes risk, and cybersecurity is no longer a secondary concern but a strategic priority.

A Growing Attack Surface

The modern maritime ecosystem is far more interconnected than it was even ten years ago. Ships rely on digital navigation systems, satellite communications, and integrated operational technologies. Ports operate as complex digital hubs, managing everything from cargo handling to traffic coordination through networked systems.

This growing connectivity has expanded the industry’s attack surface. Cyber threats can now target not only corporate IT systems, but also operational technologies such as navigation, propulsion, and cargo management systems.

High-profile incidents have demonstrated the scale of the risk. The NotPetya attack in 2017, which severely impacted Maersk, is widely considered a turning point in maritime cybersecurity awareness. Since then, industry reports have been pointing to a steady increase in cyber incidents affecting ports and shipping operations.

From IT Risk to Operational Threat

One of the defining characteristics of maritime cybersecurity is the convergence between IT and operational technology. Unlike traditional cyber threats that primarily affect data and business systems, attacks in the maritime domain can have direct physical consequences. Thus, for example, a compromised navigation system can result in incorrect positioning data; disruption to port management systems may halt operations or create safety hazards; and interference with communication systems can impact coordination between vessels and shore-based operators.

This shift from data risk to operational risk is forcing maritime stakeholders to adopt a more comprehensive approach, focusing on resilience across entire systems rather than isolated protection measures.

Regulation and Industry Response

Recognizing the growing threat, regulators have begun to act. The International Maritime Organization introduced guidelines on maritime cyber risk management, requiring shipping companies to address cybersecurity within their safety management systems. Since 2021, these requirements have been incorporated into the ISM Code, making them effectively mandatory.

Industry bodies such as BIMCO, ICS, and DNV have published additional frameworks and best practices to support implementation. However, adoption remains uneven, with larger organizations generally more advanced than smaller operators.

Ports as Critical Infrastructure

Ports are increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure, not only for global trade but also for national security. Their digitalization has improved efficiency, but it has also made them attractive targets for cyberattacks.

A successful attack on a major port can disrupt supply chains, delay shipments, and cause significant economic damage. As ports adopt automation, IoT, and AI-driven systems, securing these complex environments becomes more challenging.

The difficulty lies in protecting a highly interconnected ecosystem that includes port authorities, terminal operators, logistics providers, and shipping companies.

Israel-Made Maritime Cybersecurity

Within this evolving landscape, Israel is emerging as a growing contributor to maritime cybersecurity, leveraging its global leadership in cyber technologies and critical infrastructure protection.

Companies such as Cydome specialize in cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for maritime environments, protecting vessels, fleets, ports and offshore facilities from cyber threats in real time.

Additional Israeli companies bring complementary capabilities relevant to ports and maritime infrastructure. Portnox focuses on secure network access in complex environments, while Radiflow and Claroty provide protection for industrial control systems and operational technologies widely used across critical infrastructure. Armis enables visibility and protection of connected assets in highly digitized environments.

Drawing on deep experience in defense and infrastructure security, Israeli companies are well positioned to support maritime stakeholders worldwide.

The Human Factor

Despite technological advances, human factors remain a key vulnerability. Crew members and port personnel are not always trained to identify cyber threats, leaving basic weaknesses such as poor password management or unpatched systems to be exploited.

Effective cybersecurity therefore requires not only technology, but also training, awareness and clear operational procedures. Building a culture of cyber resilience is essential.

Challenges Ahead

The maritime industry continues to face structural challenges. For one, legacy systems, often not designed with cybersecurity in mind, remain widely in use. Additionally, the long lifecycle of vessels makes upgrades difficult, and the global nature of the industry complicates the adoption of unified standards.

At the same time, threat actors are becoming more sophisticated, targeting not only financial gain but also strategic disruption.

Eyes to the Future

As digitalization accelerates, cybersecurity will become a central pillar of maritime operations. The industry is gradually shifting from reactive protection to proactive risk management, integrating cybersecurity into system design, daily operations, and governance.

In the years ahead, collaboration between governments, industry players, and technology providers will be essential. Securing the maritime domain is not only about protecting assets, but also about safeguarding global trade and economic stability.