9 - Cyber and Information Threats to Seaports and Ships

Abstract

The cost of cyberattacks range from $300 billion a year on the low side to over $1 trillion a year on the more realistic side; and this is expected to soar to $2 trillion a year by 2019. The past several years have evidenced a growing number of cyberattacks on maritime assets and organizations—which has the potential to impact on global trade. In this chapter, we discuss the nature of the cyberthreats specific to the maritime sector and review actual cases and incidents, review why the maritime industry is especially susceptible to cyberattack, and identity the potential actors of cyberthreats to the commercial maritime sector. We also discuss, at a high level, the framework for a cybersecurity plan, one which maritime organizations can utilize to reduce their vulnerabilities to cyber targeting and attacks, and create resiliency within their organization.