Navigating the Storm of Digital Threats: An Introduction to Marine Terminal Cyber Security

The undeniable benefits of modern technology come with one major drawback. Marine terminals today are navigating not just the ebbs and flows of global trade but the increasingly unpredictable waves of cybersecurity threats. 

These threats are growing and can cause millions of dollars in interruptions. Unfortunately, they are also constantly evolving. 

What is Cyber Security?

Cybersecurity is a general name for a set of principles and procedures that protect computing systems, networks, data, and programs from unwanted intrusions or leaks. This includes hackers, phishers, and even malicious insiders who would seek to damage, change, or use information to extort money from the owners.

A famous example of a cybersecurity threat is the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which infected over 400,000 computers across 150 countries. The attack may have caused more than $1 billion in disruptions and damages.

Cyber security professionals not only aim to prevent attacks like WannaCry. But also protect against less malicious actions like information leaks through education and direct countermeasures, such as:

• Physical security measures: Important infrastructure like servers are often kept behind access-controlled doors.

• Email security measures: Organizations with strong cybersecurity policies will take charge of email security, mandating certain password strengths and frequent changes.

• Restricted data transfers: Only authorized users will have permission to download, alter, or transfer important company data.

Why Marine Terminals Need Protection from Cybersecurity Threats

Modern technology is a double-edged sword for marine terminals. The incredible benefits of automation, centralized data, custom software, and real-time access to cargo and vessel status mean a certain level of technology is required to stay competitive. However, this opens terminals up to emerging cyber security threats that must be dealt with head-on.

Marine terminals see exposure to cyber security risk through:

• High reliance on technology. Modern marine terminals utilize software and the IoT for everything from cargo management to terminal operations.
• Multiple stakeholders mean it’s not always certain that all parties involved will have the latest in terminal software and cybersecurity.
• Untrained staff may be unaware of the latest threats or how to keep data and systems safe.
• Costly business interruptions will damage any company, but for marine terminals, interruptions can cause long-lasting effects like delays and queues that take weeks or even months to fully clear, not to mention immense financial impacts.

All of this means two things: the number and methods of cybersecurity threats will continue to rise, and marine terminals will need to invest in training and software that helps counter these threats and minimize the risk of a major business interruption.

The Swell of Recent Attacks on Marine Terminals

The maritime industry is at particular risk of cyberattacks, given the damage delays and interruptions they can cause. 

According to Cyberowl, the average cost of a cyberattack in the maritime industry is $550,000, and the average ransomware payment is $3.2 million.

Shocking as these figures may be, what’s more alarming is the huge rise in attacks in the cargo shipping and maritime industries in general. Just this year:

• A notable ransomware attack on Norway’s DNV affected roughly 1,000 ships and forced DNV to shut down IT servers connected to their software.
• A DDoS attack carried out by suspected Russian hackers in April sparked concerns that Canada’s critical shipping ports could be vulnerable, prompting a response from the Canadian Prime Minister.
• A ransomware attack in May halted operations at Nagoya Port, Japan’s busiest cargo terminal, for more than 48 hours.
• DP World had its data stolen in a cyberattack at its Australian operations on November 10th. The attack caused delays in landside freight operations for ten full days.

5 Cyber Security Threats Marine Terminals May Face

Cybersecurity threats can come in many forms. From unauthorized access to physical systems (servers, terminals, or workstations) to software viruses, phishing attempts, and fraud, there will always be unlimited ways for clever criminals to cause problems and extort business owners.

However, there are some common tricks that attackers will use. Knowing these methods and defending against them makes businesses less efficient targets. This means marine terminals that take necessary countermeasures in advance will have a leg up when dealing with possible intruders.

Here are five examples of common attacks and threats marine terminals may face:

1. 1. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts sensitive files and then demands a ransom in exchange for releasing them. 
   2. Phishing: A phishing scam usually involves a seemingly legitimate email that prompts employees to open links or attachments that can compromise a terminal’s programs or data. 

• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: Attackers may try to overwhelm a system’s network or systems with a sudden flood of illegitimate traffic, causing costly downtime and delays.

• Unauthorized Physical Access: Bad actors may try to gain physical access to servers or equipment.

• Social Engineering Attacks: Sophisticated attackers may spend weeks or months subtly manipulating company employees into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that could compromise security.

Charting a Secure Course: Tideworks Protects Your Terminal without Sacrificing Innovation

Don’t let cyber threats impact your marine terminal’s success. With the proper foundation of knowledge, employee training, and the right software partner, your terminal can optimize operations while minimizing risk.

For more than 20 years, Tideworks has developed cutting-edge marine terminal operating system solutions that streamline terminal operations while always prioritizing our clients’ businesses’ security, health, and safety.

If you’re interested in working with a software team that understands the risks that cyberattacks pose to marine terminal operations and how to protect against them, contact Tideworks today.