Maritime Sector Embraces Cyber Risk for Innovation as DNV Calls for Enhanced Security Collaboration

Maritime Sector Embraces Cyber Risk for Innovation as DNV Calls for Enhanced Security Collaboration

(IN BRIEF) A new report by DNV reveals that a majority of maritime professionals (61%) are willing to accept greater cyber risks to enable innovation and digital transformation. With growing reliance on technologies like AI, IoT, and satellite communications, cyber vulnerabilities have increased, and 71% of surveyed professionals now see cybersecurity as the industry’s top risk. Despite high confidence in current defenses, only 53% of respondents feel their organizations have full supply chain visibility, and many worry about OT security gaps and growing threats from ransomware. The report calls for more collaboration within critical infrastructure sectors to bolster cybersecurity best practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 13-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A recent DNV report highlights a notable shift in the maritime industry’s approach to cyber risk, with 61% of maritime professionals expressing willingness to accept greater cyber vulnerabilities if it fosters innovation and technological advancements. This trend reflects a stronger appetite for embracing digital transformation risks than seen in other sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.

As the industry undergoes digital evolution, cyber vulnerabilities are on the rise. According to DNV’s survey of nearly 500 maritime professionals, a significant 71% feel their organizations’ industrial assets face heightened exposure to cyber threats, with the same proportion acknowledging cybersecurity as the most pressing risk for their operations.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of Maritime at DNV, underscores the need for balancing progress with security. “As we pursue digitalization and decarbonization goals, safeguarding our people, vessels, and systems against cyber threats is crucial,” he remarks. “Cyber-attacks pose an escalating risk to maritime safety. Through effective cyber risk management, we can lead in building resilient businesses and societies.”

The maritime sector is increasingly dependent on interconnected digital systems as it works towards greener, safer, and more efficient operations. Emerging technologies such as advanced data analytics, IoT, AI, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and autonomous systems are seen as critical to achieving these goals, offering substantial opportunities for innovation in the coming years.

While these advancements drive efficiency, they also introduce new cybersecurity challenges. Nonetheless, industry confidence remains high, with 83% of professionals asserting their organizations maintain a robust cybersecurity stance, and 71% confident in their ability to quickly resume operations after an attack. Additionally, 73% report an increase in cybersecurity investment over the past year, reflecting growing preparedness for issues like operational disruptions, data breaches, physical hazards, and vessel grounding.

However, despite heightened awareness, there are concerns that the industry’s confidence may be overly optimistic. Only 53% of those surveyed believe their organizations have full visibility into supply chain vulnerabilities, a crucial gap as supply chain cyber-attacks become more frequent. Furthermore, 68% perceive their IT security as more robust than operational technology (OT) security, which safeguards physical assets and critical systems. Nearly 76% also indicate that their organization’s cybersecurity training does not sufficiently address advanced threats.

Svante Einarsson, Head of Maritime Cybersecurity at DNV, cautions that preparedness is only part of the equation. “Organizations may feel secure due to increased resource allocation to cybersecurity, but the complexity of cyber threats demands a more comprehensive approach. Protecting both IT and OT, and being prepared to respond effectively to incidents, is essential,” Einarsson explains.

Concerns are further amplified by geopolitical instability and rising criminal activity, particularly ransomware attacks, which have become a major concern for 79% of maritime professionals, a significant jump from 56% in 2023.

DNV’s Maritime Cyber Priority 2024/25: Managing Cyber Risk to Enable Innovation report outlines four primary challenges the sector faces:

• Securing experienced resources for embedding cybersecurity resilience in new systems and vessels,
• Enhancing detection and response mechanisms to limit OT system risks,
• Assigning clear roles and resources for continuous OT security management onboard and onshore,
• Safeguarding complex supply chain interdependencies.

An overwhelming 95% of maritime professionals advocate for greater collaboration on cybersecurity across critical infrastructure sectors. “The maritime sector, alongside other vital industries, must take bold steps in openly sharing cybersecurity insights to establish best practices for resilience,” adds Einarsson.

The full report, which details these findings and offers strategic guidance, is available for download.

Media Contacts:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime
margrethe.andersen@dnv.com

Christian Parker
Brand and Communications Manager, Cyber security and digital health
Christian.Parker@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV