14% of maritime industry hit by ransomware payments

According to a recent study by law firm HFW and maritime cyber-security company CyberOwl, 14% of the maritime industry professionals responding to a survey said they had paid ransomware in 2023 to unlock IT networks and computers, compared with 3% in 2022.

This study found the average cost of unlocking computer systems in the maritime sector reached US$3.2M this year. In addition, several global ports have been hacked in 2023.

In response, IEC Telecom has introduced OptiShield for protection against cyber incidents, threats and security breaches. This combines cyber-security software with a dedicated remote IT team to protect IT networks on board vessels, ensure regulatory compliance and improve ship security.

“To navigate safely in the digital ocean, having a toolkit is now not enough,” said IEC Telecom vice president of technology Jalloul Ben Soussia.

“It is essential to have a qualified team to manage the software to ensure optimal benefits for your vessel, but not every vessel can have an IT specialist on board. We developed OptiShield to provide it all: advanced cyber-security software coupled with a 24/7 remote support team of experts.”

Cyber security needs to be customised based on the vessel’s operations and chain of command. It also needs to enable shipowners to comply with IMO’s regulations covering cyber security and risk management, brought into force in January 2021.

OptiShield builds on IEC Telecom’s remote management and cyber-security expertise to protect onboard networks and respond rapidly to cyber incidents and threats to quickly return to normal operations.