The cybersecurity risk present in maritime sector is becoming an increasing concern for all involved in the industry. This includes X2 Logistics Networks and other networks out there. As a result, we are constantly testing and developing our security.

The most well known case that some of your members might be aware of, particularly those involved in shipments to and from Antwerp, Belgium. In this case, drug traffickers managed to hack into the port information systems to target and identify specific containers in the port.

Given that hackers, particularly those of the black hat variety are generally disinclined to not advance their efforts and hack larger and more complicated systems and also learn and adapt to determine how they can best damage systems and increase their time of unfettered activity on the targeted information system.

In all likeliness, similar instances have happened at ports around the globe. However, fortunately for the hackers and unfortunately for those attacked, the targets are likely completely unaware that they had been hacked by an external or even internal entity.

Studies have been conducted in the past and managers were asked how they identify trespassers or unexplainable errors in their systems. The result is that many of these managers cannot identify them and some are simply unable to answer the question.

A study of 4 carriers using their information submission tools, often used for track & trace tools were often a source of access to the system’s vital information. Some of the worst penetration of security was in the world’s top carriers. This might cause alarm that these forms should not be used, but there is no need for such alarm. To combat this and protect systems from access, certain countermeasures and protections can eliminate such severe security penetrations.

Shodan, a tool available to hackers to locate accessible terminals is an easy to use tool and has a history of security incursions. Such examples are Caterpillar onboard monitoring systems, traffic lights, power grids, and banks.

Although the studies did not exploit the located access points, the search and identification was crude and not anywhere the finesse and capabilities of the professional black hat hacker.

Cybersecurity is a business aspect to be taken seriously in any industry. This is particularly true for those that have a significant online presence such as X2 Logistics Networks, freight forwarders, and the major shipping lines and all others involved in the increasingly electronically linked global supply chain.