How Can Maritime Address The Growing Cyber Threat?

Albert Einstein is reported to have said “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity”. Have we reached such a tipping point in shipping? Technology creates new opportunities but this unavoidably also creates new threats and risks. Cyberattacks, however, are nothing new. Arguably, the first recorded cyberattack occurred in France in 1834 – well before the internet was invented – when two thieves stole financial market information by hacking the French telegraph system, reports Ship Technology.

Cyberattacks 

From this point forward, the number of cyberattacks has grown exponentially with the attacks evolving and threat actors adopting new tactics, techniques, and procedures. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly prevalent in shipping, and taking them seriously is not just a sensible precaution but a legal requirement.

Building robust cyber security strategies on board ships should be placed on an equal footing as the requirements placed on an owner by, say, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Risks, cyber (sea)worthiness, and contract considerations

A cyber incident resulting in a physical, financial, or data loss could trigger numerous consequences. These could include loss of life in the event of groundings or collisions, damage to the environment as a result of pollution, loss of reputation, and business interruption. They could also cause financial losses from wreck removal costs, regulatory fines for breaching sanctions or making illegal payments, and a breach of seaworthiness obligations.

A crucial point relevant to owners, managers, charterers, and their insurers is that of “cyber worthiness”, which can impact a vessel’s seaworthiness. The provision of a seaworthy vessel is enshrined in common law as well as most charter parties.

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Source: Ship Technology

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