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The marine sector, which includes ports and ships, is an essential link in the global supply chain for many different products, including food, medicine, consumer goods, and fuel. The majority of products that are traded internationally move by sea. For the sake of supply chain security, marine security is essential. Meanwhile, ports, communications networks, and ships themselves are among the sites where maritime cybersecurity is threatened.

Potential cyberattacks against maritime infrastructure could take the form of well-known threats like phishing, malware, social engineering, brute force, denial of service, ransomware, and more. The targets' distinctive positioning is what makes them different.

Use of Digital Tools by Ships

Navigating the high seas is a time-honored tradition, but shipping has also become an important part of modern life. Ships rely on digital tools to function, and many of these are automated. Even ship compasses use a combination of gyroscopes and GPS and are digital. All these systems could be at risk of a digital attack, putting shipping at risk because attackers can spoof or jam GPS signals.

More than most industries, maritime infrastructure tends to be old and complicated—making it harder for cyber security experts to keep up with changes in technology.

Does the Ship Have an IT Worker?

The lack of IT personnel on ships is another risk aspect that is not discussed enough. A ship is comparable to a structure filled with computers, servers, and other electronics. However, at sea, the crew is left to handle system management and breach response on their own.

A ship might be driven off course or shut down by a digital attack, which would result in a crash. Several ships carry hazardous cargo, like enormous quantities of explosive fuel.

Complex digital network logistics management systems are a major reliance at ports. Some of these systems keep tabs on each cargo carried by each ship. Attackers have in the past been able to stall, conceal, divert, and steal genuine cargo. They can misuse the information about the whereabouts of the cargo in a ransomware attack or lock documents.

The most likely risk is that shipping will be delayed as a result of digital attacks, which could take many different forms. This costs shipping companies, ports, or customers millions or billions of dollars.

Attacks against maritime cybersecurity are rising.

The number of attacks on maritime information systems is increasing. In the early stages of the epidemic, attempts at cyberattacks increased by 400%. We should expect this tendency to continue, with increased attacks on ships and ports.

This year, the Port of Houston was the target of an alleged nation-state attack, which increased the importance of the infrastructure for marine security. A quarter of a billion tons of cargo are transported through the 25-mile-long port each year.

A password management system that contained a previously undiscovered vulnerability was used in the attack. Through the installation of malicious code that gave them access to the networks, the attackers were able to steal the log-in information required to manage network access. Fortunately, "no operational data or systems were disrupted," the Port officials said in a statement.

How to Manage Cybersecurity Risks in the Maritime Sector?

It is vital to address marine cybersecurity. Here are some general strategies for dealing with it:

Identify any specific threats.

Maritime cyber security is a critical component of the global shipping industry. It protects the flow of goods from port to port, but it's also a top target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors.

The first step in protecting your maritime operations against these risks is to understand what cyber criminals and nation-state actors might want from an attack. The most likely targets include:

Understand how your business processes work, what data they produce, and how valuable that data could be if stolen by hackers.

If you don't already have a red team working on assessing potential risks, do so now! Hire ethical hackers to help find potential attack points and methods.

Once you have identified the most likely threats, you'll need to make sure you have a plan in place for addressing them before they become real problems for your business.

Determine digital vulnerabilities. 

Check all systems to see which ones are outdated, incapable of being updated, legacy, or otherwise problematic from a cybersecurity standpoint. 

Consider the effects of current physical security and consider how unauthorized individuals might access digital infrastructure. Think about how rogue or unhappy employees can pose a security risk.

Create an action plan for maritime cybersecurity. 

Correctly address each vulnerability by patching or replacing broken systems. Develop these strategies in collaboration with managers, leaders, and stakeholders, and then inform everyone with the know-how to implement them in the case of an attack.

Set up effective detection tools. 

The employment of artificial intelligence (AI) in network detection and response technologies, for instance, enables the detection of unusual and potentially harmful behavior on marine networks. Have your program run round the clock to keep an eye out for potential new attacks.

Launch new cybersecurity training initiatives for crew and employees. 

Pay attention to social engineering, physical security, and phishing threats.

Create backup or continuity strategies. 

Maritime industries across the globe have become increasingly dependent on satellite communications to ensure efficient operations. The need for reliable, seamless connectivity has only increased following the implementation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as well as e-navigation and e-mail services onboard vessels.

Mobile Satellite Service operators are searching for cheaper, more reliable alternatives to meet customer demand.

Mobile Satellite Service operators have long been dependent on Ka and Ku bands' capacity for the delivery of their services but as demand increases and frequencies become limited, they are searching for cheaper, more reliable alternatives to meet customer demand.

The principal advantage of the L-band is its ability to deliver high data rates efficiently at a low cost. MSS operators that have deployed L-band networks have seen significant decreases in their operating expenses while also increasing their network capacities.

A reliable satellite solution

We know the benefits of high frequencies, such as the Ka and Ku bands. We already know their characteristics and applications and the fact that they enable transmitters to convey more data per second. The difficulty with these high frequencies is that they allow for the transmission of more data at first, but they require more power to avoid blockages, as well as larger antennas, which can not fit all vessel types.

The L-Band provides a solution to this challenge as it provides more stable global operations, even when weather conditions are adverse in difficult areas, providing a global network coverage with no interruptions, and allowing broadband communications to users located anywhere in the world.

Why is the L-band network an important part of the global maritime industry?

L-band is a type of radio frequency that is commonly used in the maritime industry. It is a low-frequency band, which means that its signals can travel long distances and penetrate through obstacles such as buildings and mountains. This makes it perfect for use in satellite communications over large areas, like an ocean or a continent.

Traditionally  L-band was used as a back-up line. Modern technologies, such as OneGate by IEC Telecom, allows to maximize data usage over this channel.  and thus it may very well operate as a primary line, particularly for small vessels.  This is achieved by means of  advanced VAN optimisation and two-stage filtration, OneGate eliminates unessential usage and channels bandwidth to critical operations. 

In addition, L-band can be used today for a range of digital services, previously reserved for VSAT only.  Such application suits as OptiSoft and OptiConnect has been developed with account of L-band capacity. They offer a  wide set of communication services (including email management and data transfer applications) and operational value-adds ( video conferencing, telemedicine, remote maintenance, surveillance and more), enabling benefits of digitalisation to all vessel types.

In the maritime industry, L-band is treasured as an exceptionally resilient network, supporting data services even in rainy, foggy, and stormy weather.

The takeaway…

L-band has traditionally served as a backup channel for emergency communications. Crews can now continue to use a full range of telecommunication services even if the main network is down, owing to improved applications. The technical team can now perform troubleshooting sessions and even remotely fix VSAT network faults thanks to the improIoTved capability of the backup channel. As a result, an effective L-band network infrastructure is becoming a critical component of an onboard business contingency plan.