fully computerized or, if they were, used programmable logic controllers (PLC) instead of more powerful, expensive, and complex computer hardware. Especially in the maritime sector, OT systems often relied on air gapping for security, many of which are disappearing due to IT/OT convergence. While IT systems have seen a relatively steady increase in sophistication and cyber‐security efforts, changes in maritime OT systems can be more sporadic as they are improved or integrated with IT. The new vulnerabilities of IT/OT could leave critical infrastructure like ports, ships, and maritime organizations at risk of industrial espionage, cyber‐crime, and sabotage.
has also driven interconnectivity, with autonomy and IoT trends often enabling each other.
Cybersecurity challenges
The digital technology trends of OT systems and infrastructure with more traditional enterprise IT systems has added new cyber‐risks, as well as cyber‐aspects to old risks. While many IT cyber‐vulnera‐ bilities are well understood, cyber‐physical is less so. This is because the combination of maritime IT/OT is unique to the sector, and will have an equally unique cyber‐risk profile. For example, a cyber‐ attack could result in physical damage, and a physical attack on a systems could have a negative digital outcome. Legacy operational systems in particular were designed, implemented, and installed across ports and ships before cybersecurity was considered a concern. As a result, cybersecurity is often be added ad‐hoc, patched into or onto OT systems across the sector.
Looking to the Future
Today there is a strong drive towards IT/OT convergence and other digital advancements in order to reduce expenses and provide information for better monitoring, control, and safety. It is positive to see that some of the more modern technological additions have some cyber‐security capabilities; however, the maritime sector as a whole is becoming more susceptible to cyber‐related risks. Clearly, security in a converging IT/OT maritime sector remains a work in progress, however if systems are made more secure as upgraded, a lot of progress can be made.
Digital trend effects on maritime
The convergence of IT/OT systems in maritime enables (1) more direct, fine‐grained, control and (2) more detailed digital monitoring for systems and physical assets. Because of technological advancements, devices like sensors are becoming increasingly cheap and versatile. Taking advantage of new digital abilities, ports and ships are using more devices and integrating them into everyday maritime operations and business. The introduction of full or semi‐autonomous systems across the sector
Society of Maritime Industries Annual Review 2019
Kimberly Tam Research Fellow for Maritime Cybersecurity University of Plymouth
Kevin Forshaw Director of Industrial and Strategic Partnerships University of Plymouth
Member of the Society of Maritime Industries 19
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