The world of shipping and maritime transport has experienced a major transformation in recent years, and in particular the growth in connectivity, digitization, automation and integration of information and logistics systems of the ports, of the shipping companies and on ships.
The ports operate numerous computer systems for port management, loading and unloading of containers and cargo, movement and storage within the port and maritime control systems, data systems for customer relations, physical security systems, etc. All of the systems are interconnected by means of the Internet and are also connected to the ships.
Vessels are also equipped with numerous systems: detection and satellite systems, monitoring of ships, loading of maps, control of the engines and steering, various of sensors, control of cargo and transshipment, etc.
The various systems on a ship are interconnected, as well as being connected to the port and the shipping companies by means of satellite and other channels of communication.
The technological transformation of the ships, the shipping companies and the seaports is occurring simultaneously with major upward trends in the quantity of maritime cargo and the increasing number and size of ships, as a result of globalization processes and the growth in trade and the global economy, the increasing demand for energy, the growth in activity in economic waters, etc.
Cyber attackers view the ports, shipping companies and vessels as quality targets, in view of the huge amount of information they possess, the high turnover in the industry and the technological vulnerability of the systems.
Cyber attackers are searching for ways and methods to exploit technological advances in order to carry out cyber-attacks on the seaports, on shipping companies and even on ships, with the goal of financial profit, public exposure or political/military gain.
The presentation will speak about the threats and challenges at the age of maritime cyber.