Maritime cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific: envisioning a role for the Quad

Abstract

ABSTRACT Digitalization in the maritime industry has exposed offshore vessels and onshore maritime assets to increasing cyberattacks by malicious actors. The problem is particularly acute in the geopolitically fraught Indo-Pacific, a region through which 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes. The inadequacy of the international regulatory ecosystem centered around the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other challenges have only compounded the problem. This paper argues that the Quad is most suited to address the issue of maritime cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific. It proposes the creation of a hybrid body composed of the Quad, like-minded littoral states and maritime industry bodies from the Indo-Pacific for thwarting, responding to, and recovering from cyberattacks in the region. It argues that a localized regional response by the Quad would be preferable over unilateral measures by states or waiting for the IMO’s regulation in the form of a code or convention.