Cyber attacks pose growing threat to shipping industry
Organised crime and state-sponsored hackers increasingly target the maritime industry, using man-in-the-middle frauds and other cyber attacks on shipping firms.
The maritime industry faces rising cyber threats, with Nigerian gangs among the most active attackers of shipping firms. HFW lawyers say ‘man-in-the-middle’ frauds are now common, letting hackers intercept communications and steal sensitive financial or operational data.
Costs from cyber attacks are rising sharply, with average mitigation expenses for shipping firms doubling to $550,000 (£410,000) between 2022 and 2023. In cases where hackers remain embedded, ransom payments can reach $3.2m.
The rise in attacks coincides with greater digitisation, satellite connectivity such as Starlink, and increased use of onboard sensors.
Threats now extend beyond financial extortion, with GPS jamming and spoofing posing risks to navigation. Incidents such as the grounding of MSC Antonia in the Red Sea illustrate potential physical damage from cyber interference.
Industry regulators are responding, with the International Maritime Organization introducing mandatory cyber security measures into ship management systems. Experts say awareness has grown, and shipping firms are gradually strengthening defences against criminal and state cyber threats.
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