Essential Measures to Combat Rising Threats of Cybersecurity in Maritime by 2025

A lack of focus on cybersecurity could have devastating consequences for ship owners and managers, warns maritime technology company SmartSea. By 2025, cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy approximately $10.5 trillion. With ransomware posing the primary threat in the maritime industry, SmartSea, established by SITA, a leading provider of transport communication in the aviation sector, emphasizes the importance of early adoption of cybersecurity software as the industry undergoes digital transformation.

Despite traditionally being slow to adapt to change, the maritime industry has embraced recent technological advancements to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety of ships. However, as the industry increasingly relies on emerging technologies to maintain these improvements, the risk of cyber threats also grows. SmartSea CEO, Julian Panter, highlights the potential dangers posed by AI and automation technologies, such as the possibility of attackers taking control of autonomous ships through successful cyber attacks.

Panter emphasizes the critical need for ship owners and managers to invest in cybersecurity measures as technology evolves to meet the industry’s future demands. As compliance requirements become more stringent, cybersecurity measures and governance are likely to become mandatory. Companies must be proactive in preparing for cyber threats to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences. Panter stresses the importance of being prepared for cyberattacks before it’s too late, as cybersecurity becomes an essential aspect of the maritime industry.

Source