In the ever-evolving landscape of maritime cybersecurity, a recent study published in the journal ‘Logistics’ (formerly known as ‘Logistika’) has shed light on the escalating threats facing the industry in 2025. Led by Minodora Badea from the Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Business Management at the National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica” Bucharest, the research provides a sobering look at the current state of maritime cybersecurity and offers a roadmap for enhancing resilience.
The study, which analyzed 112 incidents from the Maritime Cyber Attack Database (MCAD) spanning from 2020 to 2025, reveals a stark reality: cyber threats in the maritime industry are on the rise, with a 150% increase in incidents reported. The research employs a novel quantitative risk assessment model based on a Threat-Vulnerability-Impact (T-V-I) framework, calibrated with MITRE ATT&CK techniques and validated against historical incidents.
One of the most alarming findings is the identification of Operational Technology (OT) compromise as the paramount threat, with a risk score of 98 out of 100. This highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in OT systems, which are increasingly integrated with IT systems due to rapid digitalization.
The study also pinpoints specific regions at high risk. Ports in Poland and Taiwan are identified as facing the highest immediate risk, with a score of 95 out of 100. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal is assessed as the most probable next target, with a risk score of 90 out of 100. State-sponsored actors from Russia, China, and Iran are responsible for most high-impact attacks, underscoring the geopolitical dimensions of maritime cybersecurity.
Minodora Badea emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “Our findings underscore the urgent need for engineering-grade solutions, including network segmentation, zero-trust architectures, and proactive threat intelligence integration to enhance maritime cyber resilience against evolving threats.”
For maritime professionals, the commercial impacts of these findings are significant. The rise in cyber threats poses a direct risk to the smooth operation of global trade, which relies heavily on maritime transport. A cyber attack on a critical port infrastructure could lead to substantial financial losses, disruptions in supply chains, and even physical damage to infrastructure.
However, the study also presents opportunities for the maritime sector. The call for engineering-grade solutions opens up avenues for technology providers and cybersecurity firms to develop and deploy advanced protective measures. Network segmentation, zero-trust architectures, and proactive threat intelligence are areas ripe for innovation and investment.
Moreover, the research provides a validated, data-driven framework for prioritizing defensive resources. This can help maritime organizations allocate their budgets more effectively, focusing on the most critical vulnerabilities and threats. As Badea notes, “This research provides a validated, data-driven framework for prioritizing defensive resources.”
In conclusion, the study published in ‘Logistics’ serves as a wake-up call for the maritime industry. It highlights the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and offers a roadmap for building resilience against evolving threats. For maritime professionals, the message is clear: the time to act is now. By investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions and adopting a proactive approach to threat intelligence, the maritime industry can safeguard its critical infrastructure and ensure the smooth operation of global trade.