Maritime ports are the designated seaports that act as mediums for international trade and transportation. These ports enable the flow of trade and have the necessary infrastructure for handling the docking of ships, cranes, and management of storage facilities as well as warehouses. Moreover, maritime ports connect the sea line of communications (SLOCs) and link the land transportation such as airports, railroad and highways, facilitating the smooth movement of goods to and from the ports.

Increased digitalization raises serious security concerns as ports are facing severe threats of malicious cyber-attacks by cybercriminals

There is a system of authorized customs clearance at maritime ports, involving regulatory checks, ensuring compliance with national laws of the states involved and international trade laws. In the contemporary digitalized world, these ports are performing most of the functions digitally which is a time-effective way of conducting operations.  However, increased digitalization raises serious security concerns as ports are facing severe threats of malicious cyber-attacks by cybercriminals. Such attacks can cripple routine operations and affect the global economy. Since the maritime industry is interconnected hence, a cyberattack on one major port can disrupt the global trade networks. In this backdrop, the severity of these threats will be analyzed and some cybersecurity measures proposed which can be adopted by states to safeguard their maritime ports and ensure the smooth flow of trade.

If the digital infrastructure of a major maritime port, responsible for handling millions of cargo containers annually, faces a cyberattack due to which its routine operations are halted, it will have negative consequences for global trade and economy. The attack would result in logistics systems collapse, cranes freeze, and cargo ships will be stranded at sea. International trade and commerce heavily rely on maritime industry therefore, it is crucial for states to adopt strict cybersecurity measures in order to protect their maritime infrastructure.

There are reported incidents where cybercriminals exploited these vulnerabilities and caused operational disruptions which led to financial losses and posed national security risks

Additionally, due to the increased digitalization, maritime ports have evolved into digital ecosystems, relying on automation, artificial intelligence and interconnected networks. The downside of digitalization is that it exposes the ports to cyber threats. There are reported incidents where cybercriminals exploited these vulnerabilities and caused operational disruptions which led to financial losses and posed national security risks. For instance, in 2003, a ransomware attack on a software provider which is used across the global shipping industry crippled around 1000 vessels. The attack resulted in halting the Ship Manager system of the shipping industry, affecting global supply chains. The 2022 cyberattack on the port of Lisbon resulted in its website going offline for several days. These are some of the many incidents which exposed vulnerabilities in maritime infrastructure of the states due to increased digitalization.

Cyber threats to maritime ports pose serious security risks for instance, a cyberattack on major port could halt military logistics, cripple trade networks, or even manipulate cargo-related data to conduct smuggling and illegal trade

Maritime ports are the most attractive targets for cybercriminals and their motives behind conducting cyberattacks on the maritime ports vary, such as seeking financial gains, stealing critical trade-related data or even using cyberattacks as part of hybrid warfare. Nevertheless, the financial damage is staggering which includes ransom payments, insurance hikes, cargo delays etc. Beyond economic losses, cyber threats to maritime ports pose serious security risks for instance, a cyberattack on major port could halt military logistics, cripple trade networks, or even manipulate cargo-related data to conduct smuggling and illegal trade.

Hackers can even conduct unauthorized intrusion into port’s digital networks and disrupt their routine operations through malicious software attacks. The port management workforce may inadvertently reveal sensitive data by clicking on malicious links. Additionally, hackers can potentially disrupt digital networks that are responsible for regulating critical port infrastructure such as pumps, valves and cranes. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems can also be attacked, disrupting ports’ routine functions.

Furthermore, nonstandard computing hardware i.e., appliances, actuators or sensors that wirelessly transmit data from the network are vulnerable to data theft. Cybercriminals can steal critical data including crew information, financial records and cargo manifests, while manipulating cargo records, navigation systems etc. Another key issue is the security of supply chains. Maritime ports rely on a complex web of third-party vendors for software, logistics and cargo management. In case one vendor is compromised, the entire network of port systems can be at stake.

Cybercriminals can also utilize unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance purposes or to conduct attacks on port infrastructure such as damaging equipment or disrupting power supplies

Cybercriminals can also utilize unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance purposes or to conduct attacks on port infrastructure such as damaging equipment or disrupting power supplies. Ports could be exposed to cyber-attacks via third-party suppliers such as maintenance contractors, logistics providers etc. In addition, cargos and containers containing malicious devices or software can expose the ports to cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity in the maritime sector is often treated as an afterthought. Many ports still operate with outdated software and weak security protocols, making them easy targets. Given the critical role of maritime ports in the global economy, this cybersecurity gap is widening. In this regard, it is crucial for states to strengthen their ports’ security by implementing urgent regulatory mechanisms.

The proposed regulatory mechanisms are: a) states must follow the Maritime Cyber Risk Management Guidelines, adhere to the protocols and rules of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and adopt National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework which is a set of voluntary guidelines. Moreover, they should also follow the ISO 27001 standards. b) States should invest in cybersecurity training of their ports’ workforces as cyberattacks exploit human error such as weak passwords, phishing emails etc. It is important to maintain cyber hygiene to prevent hackers from entering the digital systems by exploiting human error. In this regard, a well-trained workforce at maritime ports will become the first line of defense against cyberattacks. c) there is a growing need to reinforce network security by separating information technology from operational technology systems. It will prevent malware from penetrating the sensitive infrastructure. Moreover, states should conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability analysis to identify and fix loopholes before the hackers find out. d) States should leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning for detecting the threats. AI-led systems can track and monitor network activity in real-time, flagging suspicious behavior and predicting potential network breaches beforehand. Due to this, there is a need to conduct strict security assessments of third-party vendors and track blockchain-based cargo to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of supply chain cyberattacks, e) ports should also be prepared to response to cyber incidents effectively. In this regard, establishing Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRT) can ensure that ports have trained professionals available to mitigate and recover from cyberattacks quickly, (f) regular cyber drills and crisis simulation exercises should be conducted to test the effectiveness of response plans, ensuring that in case an attack occurs, the damage should be minimal and recovery is swift, (g) international collaboration to deal with cyberthreats is essential. Governments, private stakeholders and port authorities need to work together and facilitate relevant intelligence-sharing, standardize security protocols, and invest in collective defense mechanisms.

Emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing and Zero Trust Architecture can play a crucial role in strengthening digital defenses

Public-private partnership can also play a vital role in sponsoring advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, while international regulatory bodies like IMO must enforce stricter cybersecurity mandates across the industry. Finally, as ports become digitalized, powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and automation, cybersecurity should be at the forefront of maritime security strategies. Emerging technologies such as Quantum Computing and Zero Trust Architecture can play a crucial role in strengthening digital defenses. The very technologies designed for enhancing security could also introduce new vulnerabilities if not managed properly.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue; it is a fundamental pillar of modern port management. If cybersecurity continues to be treated as an afterthought, the next major cyberattack could bring global trade to a standstill. Ports are the lifelines of the world economy, and securing them is not just about protecting data, it is about safeguarding the stability of international commerce and national security. The time for action is now!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.