Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the shipping industry with ransomware, GPS spoofing, and supply chain attacks, which are only some of the most pressing threats. Ransomware campaigns have disrupted the work of major shipping companies, causing millions in damages and delaying global logistics. GPS spoofing and jamming, particularly in geopolitical hotspots, can mislead vessels, creating navigation hazards. Attackers have also manipulated the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to create ghost ships or obscure illegal activities like smuggling.
A major concern is the vulnerability of a ship’s operational technology (OT). If attackers manage to compromise a vessel’s engine control systems, they could disable or even hijack critical functions remotely. Meanwhile, phishing and social engineering attacks remain weak links, with crew members and port staff often being the targets of credential theft. The intersection of IT and OT in modern shipping makes the industry a lucrative target for cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, and even opportunistic hackers.
Vulnerable maritime systems and potential consequences
Key vulnerabilities exist in e-navigation systems, industrial control systems (ICS), and port management platforms. GPS spoofing can send ships dangerously off course, while a breach in OT systems—such as ballast water or engine controls—could render a vessel inoperable. Port and cargo handling systems are also at risk, and a well-placed cyberattack could halt trade at a major hub, causing disruptions with massive economic consequences.
The consequences of a successful cyberattack do not only include navigation issues and operational downtime; they can also lead to environmental disasters. A targeted attack on fuel or ballast management systems could lead to oil spills or chemical leaks. Meanwhile, data breaches involving trade routes and cargo manifests open the door for espionage, cargo theft, or sanctions violations.
Increased risks with the digitization of shipping
The shift toward digital-first shipping operations has introduced significant cybersecurity risks. With vessels now leveraging IoT-enabled sensors for cargo tracking, fuel monitoring, and predictive maintenance, every new connected device presents a potential entry point for attackers. Remote fleet management via cloud-based platforms centralizes operations, but it also creates a single point of failure if compromised.
E-navigation, including digital charting and autopilot, has made GPS spoofing a serious concern—one that was once theoretical but is now a documented reality. While blockchain is enhancing the security of supply chains, misconfigured smart contracts could expose vulnerabilities, and cybercriminals are already exploring ways to manipulate decentralized transaction records. The reality is that many vessels still operate with outdated IT infrastructure, making them easy targets for attackers looking to exploit known vulnerabilities.
Examples of maritime security breaches
The Maersk NotPetya ransomware attack of 2017 was a wake-up call for the industry, causing an estimated $300 million in losses and bringing shipping operations to a standstill worldwide. Similarly, the 2018 cyberattacks on the Ports of Barcelona and San Diego disrupted port activities, highlighting the vulnerability of critical maritime infrastructure.
GPS spoofing has also been weaponized, with reports in 2019 of Iranian cyber operations redirecting oil tankers using manipulated navigation signals. While officials blamed the 2021 Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal on human error, some cybersecurity experts speculated as to whether GPS spoofing could have played a role—an idea that underscores just how much cyber risks have become entangled with physical maritime operations.
Maritime preparation for cyberattacks and breaches
Preparation across the industry remains uneven. Large shipping conglomerates and port authorities are making strides in cybersecurity, but smaller operators and older fleets have often lagged behind. Many vessels continue to run legacy IT and OT systems that lack built-in security controls, leaving them exposed to even basic cyber threats.
Cyber hygiene among crew members is another challenge. Without proper training, phishing and social engineering attacks remain a persistent risk. Compliance with the IMO’s Cyber Risk Management Guidelines is improving, but enforcement varies, and many organizations still treat cybersecurity as an afterthought rather than a fundamental part of operational risk management.
AI-driven threat detection is playing a growing role in maritime cybersecurity, enabling the real-time monitoring of shipboard systems for anomalies. Satellite-based GPS authentication is being explored as a countermeasure against spoofing, ensuring vessels rely on multiple sources for navigation accuracy.
A shift toward zero trust architecture (ZTA) is also taking shape, enforcing strict access controls and continuous verification for all onboard systems. Furthermore, advanced network segmentation ensures that if one system is compromised, it doesn’t bring down an entire vessel’s operational framework. Blockchain is being integrated into supply chains to create tamper-proof transaction records, while some shipping giants have adopted cyber resilience drills modeled after Maersk’s response to NotPetya.
Incorporating zero trust principles in maritime systems
Zero trust in shipping means no system, crew member, or device is automatically trusted. Companies are implementing role-based access controls (RBACs) to ensure only essential personnel can interact with critical shipboard systems. Network segmentation is key, separating navigation, engine control, and communication systems to prevent an attack from spreading across a vessel’s infrastructure.
Endpoint security for crew devices is another priority, given that personal laptops and mobile devices often introduce malware risks. By applying strict authentication and continuous monitoring, shipping firms are building a more resilient cybersecurity framework.
The role of AI in maritime cyber threats
AI is revolutionizing maritime cybersecurity through predictive threat intelligence and automated anomaly detection. Machine learning models can analyze navigation patterns, OT system behavior, and network traffic to identify suspicious activity before it escalates into a full-scale attack.
AI-powered intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are already helping ships and port authorities flag unauthorized access attempts, while AI-driven risk assessment tools enable real-time analysis of potential cargo fraud or cyber threats in global supply chains.
Guidelines for maritime cybersecurity
The IMO’s Maritime Cyber Risk Management in Safety Management Systems (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3) requires shipowners to assess cyber risks and implement mitigation strategies. It mandates compliance with the ISM Code, making cyber risk management a formal part of ship safety protocols.
In the United States, the Coast Guard Cybersecurity Framework for Maritime (2020) sets out cybersecurity best practices for port operators and shipping firms. Meanwhile, larger shipping companies are aligning with the ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) to enhance their security postures.
The future of maritime cybersecurity
The next decade will see a shift toward AI-driven cybersecurity automation, blockchain-based cargo management, and quantum-resistant cryptography to safeguard maritime communications. Autonomous ships will introduce new cyber risks, requiring advanced protective measures to prevent hijacking or system failures.
Regulatory enforcement will also tighten, with cyber audits and mandatory risk assessments becoming standard industry practices. As cyberattacks on global supply chains increase, collaboration between governments, shipping firms, and cybersecurity providers like Bugcrowd will be essential to strengthening the industry’s resilience.
Cybersecurity in shipping isn’t just about compliance—it’s about resilience. The industry must shift from reacting to attacks to proactively preventing them. With increased digitalization, maritime cyberattacks are no longer a matter of if but when. The key to mitigating these risks is a combination of cutting-edge AI defenses, zero trust security principles, and robust collaboration across the industry. The maritime sector can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought—it must be built into the foundation of modern shipping operations.
