Discussing cybersecurity in maritime transportation

Abstract

The increasing expansion of Operational Technology (OT) and the digitalization of Information Technology (IT) in maritime transportation, as well as the equipping of ships with more automation, despite many benefits, introduces numerous cyber risks, especially with unauthorized access to data and ship systems. Due to the above, it becomes important to raise awareness and take measures to ensure adequate security; this is also important at the level of the virtual securing of ships. This article consists of an introduction to the topic. It presents the current trends and directions of development of maritime transportation and the risks related to them. It contains an overview of the current safety systems on ships and the present safety resolutions. Then, it describes issues related to modern piracy and the weaknesses of ship systems most vulnerable to cyber-attacks.