Cyber security in modern harbours

Digital transformation has found its way into ports and shipping, simplifying many processes. As global trade is heavily dependent on the integrity of this industry, it is time to give cyber defence its rightful place.

The maritime industry, and port operations in particular, faces a significant backlog in the area of cyber security. Due to the increasing digitalisation of port operations, the industry's vulnerability has been exposed by the lack of robust cyber defences, coupled with inadequate incident response planning and a shortage of skilled staff in port authorities' IT and operational technology departments. These shortcomings and the critical nature of port operations to global trade have made ports favourite targets for hackers.

Recently, there have been a number of serious cyberattacks in the maritime sector, affecting large ports in particular. On 5 July 2023, the port of Nagoya, the largest and busiest port in Japan, which handles around ten percent of the country's total trade volume, was hit by a ransomware attack. The attack