holistic smart maritime solutions for cyber resilience

Addressing Maritime Cybersecurity Challenges in a Digitalized World

The maritime industry depends on innovation to thrive. Advancements in efficient cargo tracking, decarbonization, and seamless operations are propelling the sector forward. As the maritime industry undergoes rapid digitalization the importance of prioritizing robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated in guaranteeing safety on the open seas. Global investments are increasingly directed towards addressing challenges such as fuel efficiency, port capacity, and delays. Yet, we must not overlook the constant danger of cyberattacks.

What Are Maritime Cyberattacks?

Maritime cyberattacks refer to malicious activities that target the digital systems and networks used in the maritime industry. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the technology infrastructure of ships, ports, and related logistics and communication systems. They aim to disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, or cause physical damage.

Cyberattacks on maritime systems can have devastating consequences, including:

• Operational disruptions hindering daily operations and damaging shipping operators' reputation
• Unauthorized access to critical systems, compromising safety and security
• Theft of sensitive information causing financial losses
• Data manipulation leading to wrong decisions
• Physical damage to ships or cargo due to compromised systems

Why Maritime Cyberattacks Are a Growing Concern

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines cyber-risks as potential threats to technology assets that could lead to operational failures, safety breaches, or security vulnerabilities due to compromised information or systems. The surge in cyberattacks in the digital age has exposed the maritime industry to considerable risks. The reasons for the surge of cyberattacks are:

• Increased digitalization: The maritime industry is rapidly adopting digital technologies for improved efficiency and connectivity, which introduces more cyber vulnerabilities.
• Complex supply chains: Maritime operations involve many interconnected systems and stakeholders, increasing the potential points of entry for cyberattacks.
• High-value targets: Ships and ports often carry valuable cargo and sensitive information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors.
• Legacy systems: The lack of cybersecurity integration during the design phase has left many maritime systems highly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Maritime cybersecurity includes a range of policies, best practices, and technologies to safeguard the entire maritime industry. As the maritime industry embraces digitalization, a balanced approach to converging Information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is crucial. OT focuses on monitoring and controlling industrial equipment through hardware and software, while IT pertains to information processing technologies.

Traditional IT security measures need to be integrated with specialized tools designed to meet the unique requirements of OT systems. To ensure comprehensive protection from evolving cyberthreats, the maritime industry must conduct thorough evaluations of all aspects of ship operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance Matters

In an increasingly connected world, the security, safety, and reliability of maritime systems are paramount. The maritime industry recognizes the critical importance of robust cybersecurity supervision in addressing and combatting emerging cyber-risks.

Compliance with global regulations—including IMO Resolution MSC.428(98), IEC 61162-460, ISO/IEC 27001, ISA/IEC 62443, IEC60945, and IACS Unified Requirements (URs) E26 and E27—is crucial for adhering to stringent cybersecurity standards. As data-driven strategies drive safety improvements and operational optimization in this dynamic environment , adopting certified solutions is essential to establish trusted and secure data flows.

Our Certified High-performance Solutions Enable Your Smart Ships

As the maritime sector undergoes a digital revolution—converging IT and OT—adherence to global regulations is paramount. Amidst these challenges, the significance of data is underscored by the emergence of smart ships. Moxa takes the lead by offering cutting-edge maritime-certified solutions, including ones certified by DNV, ABS, LR, NK, and BV. Our portfolio of high-performance cybersecurity solutions encompasses OT data devices, marine IPCs, networking solutions, and remote monitoring and management platforms. We ensure cybersecurity across data collection, storage, transfer, and processing—providing comprehensive support for your real-time data needs. Our solutions benefit the entire supply chain—serving owners, operators, and shipbuilders alike, reducing cyber-risks from single vessels to entire fleets.

Seamless Maritime Data Management Facilitates uninterrupted data flow with end-to-end solutions, ensuring seamless communication and accessibility across the maritime network	Comprehensive Cyber-resilience Safeguards vessels' cyber-resilience through secure real-time connections, compliance with regulations, and strengthened defenses with our IEC 62443 solutions that provide robust protection against evolving cyberthreats	Integrated OT Network Solutions Our comprehensive networking solutions meet E27 requirements to establish secure data infrastructure and enable seamless process visualization both onboard and ashore, enhancing operational efficiency and safety across the maritime environment

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