Alishia Sims, Market Research Analyst
I was born just six months before the turn of the millennium, a time when my early years were filled with watching my favourite films on VHS tapes. DVD players had only just been invented a few years earlier, but they were far too expensive for us to afford. Music came from McDonald’s toys, and my siblings would record ringtones off the radio. We played ‘kerby’ in the street until the winter streetlights flickered on, and my mum would call us in for tea.
But all of this changed so quickly. I am part of the generation that effortlessly navigates technology, from TikTok trends to online gaming. We send quick texts rather than making phone calls, and message friends saying “outside” instead of knocking on their doors. The McDonald’s toys turned into iPods, which then became obsolete with the rise of apps like Spotify and the VHS tapes turned to DVDs, which turned to Netflix. Questions once asked of family members, sometimes met with unsure answers, are now instantly resolved by Google, or even faster, by the new AI summaries.
Computers, once bulky and expensive, became more accessible, practical and portable. They found their way into classrooms, and coffee shops, growing lighter and more powerful, inviting us to take our digital lives with us wherever we went.
Televisions, too, shed their heavy glass shells, slimming down from the deep boxy CRTs, into sleek flat panels that hang on our walls. Meanwhile, the humble phone, once just a tool for voice carried over crackling lines, began its metamorphosis into something entirely new — a pocket-sized wonder, a mini-computer that brought the vast expanse of the internet, music, games, and endless conversations into the palms of our hands.
I remember the anxiety of accidentally clicking the internet button on my first phone, a pink BlackBerry, spamming the back button again and again, terrified of the charges that might follow. Texts and calls depended on how many minutes I had left, but now unlimited data and free messaging are becoming the norm.
But after 338 words I can hear you thinking, “does any of this have a point?” I’m getting there, I promise. This is the context of my upbringing, and it is perhaps, relatable to any generation. Changing technology means growing up in a world where everything is constantly evolving, where we’ve learned to adapt quickly and connect instantly. We live with one foot in the past and the other racing toward an uncertain, but endlessly exciting future.
It’s this blend of nostalgia and anticipation that reminds me of the maritime industry, where age-old traditions and modern innovations coexist.
Maritime connectivity has come a long way, evolving from the constraints of L-band to the expanded capabilities of VSAT, which has become the backbone for most ships looking for high-speed communication. With the rise of LEO services, not only Starlink but also Eutlesat OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper, and Telesat Lightspeed we’re seeing another leap forward — bringing the promise of low-latency, broadband-like internet access to even the most remote parts of the ocean.
These advancements align with the growing demands of the crew, who increasingly expect to maintain their digital lives at sea just as they would at home. Increasingly, they want to stream their favourite shows, enjoy online gaming, video call loved ones, and access social media without delays or restrictions.
Beyond connectivity, the concept of smart shipping is redefining vessel performance and operational efficiency. AI/machine learning is a key technology that is acquiring traction in this space. AI-powered systems are used to analyse vast amounts of data from engines, navigation systems, and environmental conditions to optimise fuel consumption, predict equipment failures, and improve route planning.
But while improving technology offers significant benefits, there is a dark side to innovation.
Cyber-attacks are a persistent threat in the maritime world where the stakes are high. Threat actors ranging from lone cybercriminals to organised crime groups and even state-sponsored entities with broader, more complex motives. Potential consequences are varied, while most cyber-attacks are financially motivated and result in operational disruptions, there is a risk that in extreme scenarios lives could be at risk.
High-speed connectivity, particularly LEO services, amplifies these risks as the higher bandwidth allows attackers to launch more complex, data-intensive attacks. When connectivity services are unmanaged, they become easy entry points for cybercriminals.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a double-edged sword in this context. Cybercriminals increasingly use AI to enhance the sophistication of their attacks. For instance, AI can be employed to create highly convincing phishing emails that closely mimic the writing style and communication patterns of specific individuals. Similarly, deepfake technology — that mimic real people’s voices or appearances — can be used to impersonate company officials, potentially tricking recipients into divulging sensitive information or authorising fraudulent transactions. In 2019, this technique succeeded within a UK-based energy company, where attackers used AI-generated voice to impersonate a CEO of a parent company and tricked an executive into transferring approximately $243,000.
At the same time, AI/machine learning also offers powerful tools to bolster cybersecurity defences. Advanced AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of network data in real-time to detect unusual patterns or behaviours indicative of a cyberattack. The technology can also enhance checking the scripts of cybersecurity tools, highlighting potential security flaws.
Finally, crew connectivity while providing vital connectivity and morale for crew members on long voyages, can inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities. Personal devices, often lacking the same security controls as corporate systems, can become infected with malware, which may spread to the ship’s network if proper network segmentation and access controls are not in place. Additionally, crew members may inadvertently fall victim to phishing or social engineering attacks, use weak passwords, or fail to follow cybersecurity best practices, all of which can provide entry points for attackers. While measures like network segmentation, endpoint security, and regular training can mitigate these risks, they do not eliminate them entirely.
Conclusion
The maritime industry stands at a unique crossroads, much like my own generation growing up amidst rapid technological change. While advancements in connectivity and digitalisation have brought remarkable benefits, enabling a more connected and efficient maritime environment, they have also introduced new vulnerabilities that must be carefully managed.
As we embrace the possibilities of the future, the industry’s challenge will be to safeguard against the darker side of innovation — particularly in cybersecurity — by balancing technological progress with vigilance and resilience. This includes not only implementing strong technical defences, like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among crew and shore-based staff. Regular training, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring are crucial to protect vessels from the growing array of cyber threats.
Valour Consultancy will further explore the reality of cyber threats in the maritime industry in its upcoming report, “The Future of Maritime Cybersecurity“. For more information, including the participant programme, please click here.
