The maritime industry may be one of the oldest
in the world, but in-depth reports issued by the United States
Accountability Office ("GAO") and the European Network
and Information Security Agency ("ENISA") confirm that
our industry is as susceptible to cybersecurity risks as the most
cutting-edge technology firms in Silicon Valley. With the ability
to commandeer a ship, shut down a port or terminal, disclose highly
confidential pricing documents, or alter manifests or container
numbers, even a minor cyber attack can result in millions of
dollars of lost business and third-party liability. Unfortunately,
cybersecurity on board merchant vessels and at major ports is 10 to
20 years behind the curve compared with office-based computer
systems and competing industries throughout the world. Like other
industries critical to the global economy, such as the financial
services sector and energy, it is time for the maritime industry to
adopt a proactive response to the growing
