- Maritime cyber attacks are on the rise, targeting ports, ships, and critical navigation systems amid geopolitical tensions and global trade conflicts.
- Hacktivist and state-sponsored groups have launched attacks on ships and maritime infrastructure, severely affecting operations and safety.
- Disruptions like GPS spoofing and AIS manipulation threaten vessel navigation in key maritime routes, increasing the risk of accidents.
The maritime industry, which handles about 90% of global trade, is facing a surge in cyber attacks, exposing its growing vulnerability. A recent Cyble report documented over a hundred cyber incidents involving various threat actors, including advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, financially driven attackers, hacktivists, and ransomware operators. These attacks are emerging alongside issues like increasing global regulations, tariff policies, and geopolitical instability.
Hacktivist and State-Sponsored Cyber Operations
In 2024, pro-Palestinian hacktivists began targeting vessels linked to Israel using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to track and disrupt their operations. Similarly, Russian-affiliated groups attacked European ports that showed support for Ukraine, while Chinese state-linked actors infiltrated classification societies responsible for certifying fleets.
Attack on Iranian Ships
A notable cyber attack occurred in March 2025, when the anti-Iranian group Lab Dookhtegan compromised communications on 116 Iranian vessels. This incident disrupted both ship-to-ship and ship-to-port communication systems. The group aimed at companies accused of supplying arms to Houthi militants.
AIS and GPS Disruptions in Maritime Chokepoints
The increasing occurrence of GPS jamming and spoofing in areas such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf poses major operational risks. These disruptions can impair the effectiveness of AIS and other onboard navigation technologies, effectively leaving ships blind in some of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
Impact on Navigation and Global Trade
These cyber intrusions—often driven by military activities and regional conflict—can lead to navigation failures, collisions, and a breakdown in ship traffic control. They significantly threaten the safety of crews, vessels, and cargo, while also jeopardizing the stability of global trade routes and maritime security.
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Source: Marine Insight
