Historically, cyber-attacks have traditionally focused on
attempts to obtain personal or financially sensitive data. However,
by their very nature, cyber threats are opportunistic, and so
present constantly shifting challenges.
While shipping is considered a 'key' or
'essential' sector in many economies and has remained as
busy (if not busier) than ever, notwithstanding the current
pandemic-related issues, its unique features present skilled and
creative hackers with a plethora of opportunities to take advantage
of the wide range of industrial control systems employed throughout
this vital area. A limited snapshot of these systems include port
and ship-based cargo handling and container tracking systems,
waterway access systems, navigation and propulsion systems, and
automated processes to name just a few. Many of these systems rely
on smooth and efficient operation, meaning that especially now,
cyber-attacks can be all the more damaging.
