What effects does cybersecurity have on ports?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States has identified that national and economic security depends on reliability and functionality of critical infrastructure.

Critical infrastructure sectors include industries such as transport, energy and telecommunication networks. One infrastructure, considered the backbone of an economy, is logistical infrastructure because it supplies and operates as a link between nations, organizations, and individuals.

In 2015, the volume of world seaborne trade was 10 billion tons. Ports and terminals handle more than 70% of the value of seaborne trade and are the main link between landside and international trade. Ports are classified as critical infrastructure, affecting the economic and social well-being of a country.

Cybersecurity has increased its importance in the maritime sector, especially in port operations.

The World Economic Forum raised cyberattacks as the fourth top global risk in January 2012. A year later, cyberattacks were seen to pose an even higher risk to the global economy.

The maritime sector is very important for the EU and its Member States. In the EU region, 52% of the goods traffic in 2010 was by maritime transport. Maritime regions account for more than 40% of Europe’s GDP. In the EU, 22 Member States have a maritime border and manage more than 1,200 seaports in support of maritime sector activity.

The report that has been published in the HAZARD Publication Series aims to clarify the main points and definitions of the cyberspace and cybersecurity for ports and port operators. It is important to point out possible threats that ports need to identify for the future.

The objective of the report is to describe cybersecurity in ports. More specifically, the question to be addressed is: What effects does cybersecurity have on ports?

You can download the report here:

HAZARD Publication 3_2017: CYBERSECURITY IN PORTS