Navigating the Cybersecurity Waters: Protecting Connected Vessels in 2025

The maritime industry stands at a critical juncture. As vessels become increasingly connected and reliant on digital systems for navigation, communication, and operations, they have also become prime targets for sophisticated cyber threats. The same technological advances that have improved efficiency and safety at sea have created new vulnerabilities that malicious actors are actively exploiting. In 2025, maritime cybersecurity has evolved from a peripheral concern to a mission-critical priority that demands immediate attention from vessel operators, port authorities, and maritime stakeholders worldwide.

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks

The statistics paint a sobering picture. The maritime industry, which handles approximately 90 percent of global trade, has experienced a surge in cyberattacks. Over 100 documented incidents in 2025 alone involved advanced persistent threat groups, ransomware operators, and hacktivists. The maritime cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $4.14 billion in 2025 to $6.55 billion by 2029. This reflects both the severity of the threat and the industry's recognition that robust cyber defenses are no longer optional. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the cyber threats facing connected vessels, the regulatory landscape shaping maritime cybersecurity, and the practical measures that organizations can implement to protect their operations in an increasingly hostile digital environment.

The Expanding Threat Landscape

The primary cyber threat categories facing maritime operations in 2025.

Maritime cyber threats have evolved dramatically in both sophistication and scale. In March 2025, the anti-Iranian group Lab Dookhtegan launched a coordinated cyberattack that disrupted VSAT communications on 116 Iranian vessels. This operation severed inter-ship and ship-to-port links. It demonstrated how cyber capabilities can be weaponized to achieve geopolitical objectives, rendering an entire fleet vulnerable in strategically sensitive waters. The attack was not an isolated incident but emblematic of a broader trend where state-sponsored actors and hacktivist groups view maritime infrastructure as legitimate targets in asymmetric warfare.

Ransomware attacks represent another critical threat vector. The DNV ShipManager ransomware incident in January 2023 affected approximately 1,000 vessels operated by 70 customers. This forced many to revert to manual operations and paper-based systems. The financial and operational impact of such attacks can be catastrophic. The Maersk NotPetya ransomware attack, for instance, cost the shipping giant $350 million and encrypted 56,000 devices across its global network. These incidents underscore a fundamental vulnerability in maritime operations: the interconnectedness that enables efficient global logistics also creates cascading failure points when cyber defenses are breached.

Perhaps the most insidious threat facing maritime operations is GPS jamming and spoofing. Between June 13 and June 24, 2025, more than 12,000 spoofing incidents were recorded, impacting over 3,000 vessels worldwide. Electronic interference has become particularly acute in critical maritime chokepoints such as the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Here, geopolitical tensions have translated into deliberate disruption of navigation systems. When GPS signals are jammed or spoofed, vessels lose accurate positional data. Automatic Identification System reporting becomes unreliable. Ships are effectively rendered blind in some of the world's busiest and most strategically sensitive waters, dramatically increasing the risk of collisions, groundings, and other maritime incidents.

The dark web has emerged as a marketplace for stolen maritime data and access credentials. Cyble researchers have documented numerous threat actors selling sensitive information allegedly stolen from maritime organizations. This includes one terabyte of internal data from a major European defense contractor specializing in submarines and naval vessels. The compromised data reportedly included source code for classified command and management systems, network metadata, technical documents, virtual machines with navy simulators, and confidential internal communications. Other incidents have involved the theft of technical manuals, NMEA telegrams used for engine control systems, SSL certificates, private keys, firewall licenses, and login credentials. Ship blueprints have been exfiltrated by ransomware groups, creating potential national security implications when detailed technical specifications of naval and commercial vessels become available to adversaries.

Vulnerable Systems and Attack Vectors

Modern vessels contain multiple interconnected systems, each representing a potential cyber attack vector.

Modern vessels rely on an interconnected ecosystem of navigation, communication, and operational technology systems. Each system represents a potential entry point for cyber adversaries. Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, which have replaced paper charts on most commercial vessels, are vulnerable to malware. This malware could display incorrect navigational data or disable the system entirely. Voyage Data Recorders, often called the "black boxes" of ships, contain critical operational data that could be tampered with or destroyed to obscure evidence of an incident. VSAT satellite communication systems, which provide the primary link between vessels and shore-based operations, have been targeted in multiple attacks, including the Lab Dookhtegan operation that severed communications for 116 Iranian vessels.

Operational technology systems present particularly challenging security concerns. They were often designed without cybersecurity considerations and may run on legacy software that cannot be easily updated. Engine control systems, ballast water management systems, and fuel handling systems are increasingly networked and remotely accessible. This creates pathways for attackers to potentially manipulate critical vessel functions. Industrial control systems that manage ship automation are vulnerable to the same types of attacks that have targeted critical infrastructure in other sectors, including energy and manufacturing.

The vulnerability landscape is further complicated by specific software and hardware flaws affecting maritime systems. Cybersecurity researchers have identified critical vulnerabilities in widely deployed maritime technologies. These include Citrix NetScaler devices used in ship-to-shore communication, Emerson ValveLink software for ballast water and fuel handling, Cisco Unified Communications Manager affecting shipboard communication systems, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure products for ship automation, and COBHAM SAILOR 900 VSAT systems essential for marine satellite communications. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical systems, intercept communications, or disrupt operations.

New Regulatory Requirements Reshape the Landscape

The escalating threat environment has prompted regulatory action at both national and international levels. On January 17, 2025, the United States Coast Guard published a final rule establishing baseline cybersecurity requirements to protect the marine transportation system from cyber threats. This regulation took effect on July 16, 2025. It mandates that U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf facilities, and U.S. facilities subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures. The requirements include the development and maintenance of a Cybersecurity Plan that addresses risk assessment, protective measures, detection capabilities, and incident response procedures. Organizations must designate a Cybersecurity Officer responsible for implementing and maintaining the cybersecurity program. All personnel with access to cyber-enabled systems must complete annual cybersecurity training.

The regulation also expands the definition of a maritime "hazardous condition" to explicitly include cyber incidents, requiring immediate reporting to the Coast Guard. This reporting requirement is critical for building situational awareness across the maritime sector and enabling coordinated responses to emerging threats. Executive Order 14116, signed by President Biden, further strengthened maritime cybersecurity. It invoked the Magnuson Act to amend regulations protecting vessels, harbors, and waterfront facilities. This executive order empowers Captains of the Port—Coast Guard officials with broad law enforcement authorities in designated zones—to directly address cyber threats. It provides a clear legal framework for intervention when cyber incidents threaten maritime safety or security.

These regulatory developments reflect a broader recognition that voluntary cybersecurity measures have proven insufficient to protect critical maritime infrastructure. While the industry initially sought additional time to implement the new requirements, the frequency and severity of recent cyberattacks have underscored the urgency of establishing minimum security standards. Maritime stakeholders must now treat cybersecurity compliance not as a bureaucratic burden but as a fundamental operational requirement comparable to traditional safety and environmental regulations.

Building Effective Cyber Defenses

Five essential cybersecurity practices for protecting connected vessels and maritime operations.

Implementing robust maritime cybersecurity requires a multi-layered approach. This approach must address organizational, technical, and human factors. At the organizational level, maritime companies must establish a cybersecurity governance framework. This framework clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for cyber risk management. The designation of a Cybersecurity Officer, as required by the Coast Guard's final rule, provides a focal point for coordinating cybersecurity initiatives across the organization. This individual should have the authority and resources necessary to implement security measures, conduct regular risk assessments, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The development of a comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan is not merely a compliance exercise. It is an opportunity to systematically identify vulnerabilities, prioritize risks, and allocate resources to the most critical security gaps.

Technical controls form the foundation of maritime cyber defense. Network segmentation, which separates information technology systems from operational technology systems, is essential. This prevents attackers who compromise office networks from gaining access to critical ship systems. Zero-trust architecture, based on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requires continuous authentication and authorization for all users and devices attempting to access network resources. This approach is particularly valuable in maritime environments where crew members may change frequently and third-party technicians require temporary access to systems. Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security. It requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing sensitive systems, making it significantly more difficult for attackers to exploit stolen credentials.

Regular software updates and patch management are critical but often challenging in maritime environments. Vessels may have limited connectivity and extended periods at sea. Organizations must develop processes for testing and deploying security patches during port calls or scheduled maintenance periods. They should prioritize updates that address known vulnerabilities actively being exploited by threat actors. Encryption of sensitive data and communications protects information even if attackers successfully breach network defenses. This ensures that stolen data remains unusable without the appropriate decryption keys.

Physical security measures are equally important in maritime cybersecurity. Restricting physical access to cyber-enabled systems prevents unauthorized individuals from directly tampering with equipment or connecting malicious devices to the network. Network connection points, including USB ports and Ethernet jacks, should be secured and monitored. This prevents the introduction of malware through removable media or unauthorized devices. Critical infrastructure, such as server rooms and equipment spaces housing navigation and communication systems, should be subject to access controls and surveillance.

The human element remains both the weakest link and the strongest defense in cybersecurity. Annual cybersecurity training for all personnel, as mandated by the Coast Guard's final rule, should go beyond generic awareness presentations. It should provide role-specific guidance relevant to each crew member's responsibilities. Phishing awareness programs teach personnel to recognize and report suspicious emails, which remain one of the most common initial attack vectors. Incident reporting procedures must be clearly communicated and regularly practiced. Crew members should know how to quickly escalate potential security incidents to appropriate authorities. Creating a culture where security concerns can be raised without fear of blame or reprisal encourages proactive threat identification and rapid response.

Continuous monitoring and detection capabilities enable organizations to identify and respond to cyber threats before they cause significant damage. AI-powered threat detection systems can analyze network traffic patterns to identify anomalies that may indicate malicious activity. This provides early warning of potential intrusions. Regular vulnerability scanning identifies security weaknesses in systems and applications. This allows organizations to remediate issues before they can be exploited. Penetration testing, conducted by ethical hackers, simulates real-world attacks to identify gaps in defenses and validate the effectiveness of security controls.

Emerging Technologies and Future Directions

The maritime cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve. Both attackers and defenders leverage emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed for predictive threat detection. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns that may indicate impending attacks. These systems can detect subtle anomalies in network traffic that human analysts might miss. They can respond to threats at machine speed, automatically isolating compromised systems before malware can spread. However, attackers are also using AI to develop more sophisticated phishing campaigns. They are automating the discovery and exploitation of vulnerabilities, creating an ongoing technological arms race.

Blockchain technology offers potential applications in maritime security, particularly for supply chain tracking and authentication. By creating tamper-proof records of cargo movements and vessel activities, blockchain can help detect unauthorized modifications to shipping documents or deviations from planned routes. The technology can also enhance authentication systems. It provides a distributed, immutable record of authorized users and devices, making it more difficult for attackers to impersonate legitimate actors.

The path forward for maritime cybersecurity requires sustained commitment from industry stakeholders, regulators, and technology providers. Information sharing between maritime organizations enables collective defense. This allows the industry to learn from incidents and rapidly disseminate threat intelligence about emerging attack techniques. Public-private partnerships leverage government resources and expertise while respecting the operational realities of commercial maritime operations. Industry working groups and consortiums facilitate the development of best practices and standards that can be widely adopted across the sector.

Investment in cyber capabilities must extend beyond technology. It should include the development of human expertise. The maritime industry faces a shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the specialized knowledge required to secure complex maritime systems. Organizations must invest in hiring and training cyber professionals. They should create career paths that attract talent to the maritime sector and develop partnerships with academic institutions to build the next generation of maritime cybersecurity experts.

Conclusion

The digitalization of maritime operations has delivered tremendous benefits in efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. However, it has also created new vulnerabilities that adversaries are actively exploiting. The cyber threats facing connected vessels are real, growing, and potentially catastrophic in their impact. The attacks on Iranian vessels, the ransomware incidents affecting thousands of ships, and the widespread GPS spoofing in critical maritime chokepoints demonstrate that maritime cybersecurity is not a theoretical concern. It is a present danger requiring immediate action.

The regulatory framework established by the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime authorities provides a foundation for industry-wide cybersecurity improvements. However, compliance alone is insufficient. Maritime organizations must embrace cybersecurity as a core operational requirement. They should invest in the technologies, processes, and people necessary to defend against sophisticated adversaries. The balance between connectivity and security need not be a zero-sum game. With proper planning and implementation, the maritime industry can realize the benefits of digital transformation while managing the associated cyber risks.

As vessels continue to incorporate advanced technologies and become ever more connected, the importance of robust cyber defenses will only increase. The organizations that proactively address maritime cybersecurity, viewing it not as a cost center but as an enabler of safe and reliable operations, will be best positioned to navigate the digital seas successfully. The future of maritime operations depends on our collective ability to secure the systems that keep global commerce flowing, and that future begins with the actions we take today.

About MD Electric Group

MD Electric Group provides comprehensive electrical engineering and technology solutions across marine, commercial, and industrial sectors. With expertise spanning vessel electrical systems, smart building technology, and industrial automation, MD Electric Group helps organizations navigate the complex intersection of traditional engineering and emerging digital technologies. For more information about maritime electrical systems and cybersecurity solutions, visit MD Marine Electric, MD Commercial Electric, and Fail-Safe Electric.