Lawyer Henry Clack has faced Nigerian criminal gangs many times.
Clack, a solicitor at London-based law firm HFW, represents shipping firms hit by cyber attacks. He says Nigerian groups are the most frequent adversaries. They have executed several high-value “man-in-the-middle” frauds in recent years.
How hackers target shipping
This fraud allows hackers to intercept messages between two parties. They impersonate both sides to steal login details, financial data, or full system access. Criminals then demand ransom to return stolen information or give up control.
HFW data shows attacks on ships and ports are rising. Between 2022 and 2023, the average cost of an attack doubled to $550,000 (£410,000). When experts cannot remove hackers, ransom payments now average $3.2m.
Sea trade under pressure
About 80% of global trade moves by sea. Disruptions increase costs and reduce shipping capacity.
John Stawpert, environment and trade manager at the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), warns that criminals and hostile states see shipping as a key target. “Cyber security is a major concern for shipping, given how interconnected the world is,” he says. “Shipping ranks among the top 10 global targets for cyber crime. Ransomware or disruption can cause serious consequences.”
Cyber attacks rise sharply
Research from the Netherlands’ NHL Stenden University shows cyber incidents in shipping jumped from 10 in 2021 to at least 64 last year.
Jeroen Pijpker of the Maritime IT Security research group links many cases to Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. He recalls one incident where attackers shared target details on Telegram to disrupt shipments bound for Ukraine.
Other gangs, including Nigerian groups, focus mainly on financial extortion.
Digitalisation increases vulnerability
The industry’s rapid digital growth has created new entry points for hackers. Satellite systems like Starlink improve connectivity but also heighten risk.
One US Navy chief lost her role after installing an unauthorised satellite dish on a combat ship so officers could access the internet.
Much of shipping’s digitisation is fragmented and outdated. The average cargo ship is 22 years old, and frequent upgrades are expensive.
Digitalisation also brings risks like GPS jamming and spoofing.
“GPS spoofing feeds false positions to navigation systems,” says Arik Diamant of security firm Claroty. “It can redirect ships or push them into shallow waters.”
In May, the container ship MSC Antonia ran aground in the Red Sea after suspected spoofing. No culprit was named, but Houthi rebels have attacked nearby vessels. Russia has been blamed for GPS interference in the Baltic.
Expensive defences
Anti-jam technology exists but is costly. Many operators cannot afford it.
Emission sensors on ships, which transmit data, also create additional entry points for hackers.
Stronger rules enhance protection
In 2021, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced binding cyber provisions to its safety management code.
Tom Walters, a lawyer at HFW, says ships must now follow mandatory cyber risk management standards. Measures include basic IT practices and advanced operational safeguards.
“I think the industry is stronger than six or seven years ago,” says Stawpert. “Awareness of cyber threats has grown and will continue to rise.”
Short talks with hackers
Clack says contact with cyber criminals is brief and controlled. It usually happens during ransomware negotiations. “Often it is just one message a day, rarely more than two sentences,” he explains.
