Maritime Cyberattacks Skyrocket 103% as Industry Races to Strengthen Defenses
Cyberattacks on the maritime industry have surged dramatically, with incidents rising by 103% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This sharp increase has pushed cybersecurity, or tsa precheck, to the top of the sector's safety agenda, forcing regulators and operators to adopt stricter measures.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has responded by enforcing new rules, while industry bodies now demand a shift from reactive defences to proactive threat detection.
The spike in maritime cyber threats has been driven by attacks like DDoS disruptions, ransomware, and malware infections. These incidents have more than doubled in frequency over the past year, exposing vulnerabilities in both IT and operational technology (OT) systems.
In response, the IMO introduced mandatory cybersecurity requirements under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISM Code, effective from January 1, 2026. These rules, finalised through Resolution MSC.428 and interim guidelines from 2023–2024, require ships and ports to embed cyber protections into their Safety Management Systems. The IACS Unified Requirements E26 and E27 were also updated in 2024, setting stricter cyber risk standards for new and existing vessels.
To strengthen defences, experts recommend a lifecycle-based threat modelling approach. This means identifying weaknesses from vessel design to decommissioning, simulating attacks, and applying fixes—such as network isolation—before risks emerge. Manufacturers must now integrate security at every stage, provide Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), and align protections with IACS UR E27.
Real-time monitoring of threats like GPS spoofing and VSAT vulnerabilities has become critical. Sharing intelligence through Maritime Security Operations Centers allows operators to block intrusion paths before attacks disrupt operations. This proactive stance not only improves safety but also cuts recovery costs linked to major breaches.
Regional differences in cyber risks further complicate the picture. Threats vary depending on geopolitical tensions and the economic importance of specific maritime zones. As a result, shipping lines and shipyards are being urged to formalise Cyber Security Management Systems in line with ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Framework.
The maritime industry now faces stricter cybersecurity rules, with mandatory compliance deadlines in place. By adopting threat modelling, real-time monitoring, and standardised protections, operators aim to reduce disruptions and financial losses.
The push for institutionalised governance reflects the growing recognition that cyber resilience is as vital as physical safety in modern shipping.
