Posted: November 6th, 2023

Analysis of Cyber Threats to Autonomous Ships and Development of Cybersecurity Standards

Analysis of Cyber Threats to Autonomous Ships and Development of Cybersecurity Standards
Cyber threats pose serious risks to autonomous ships due to their heavy reliance on automated systems and connectivity. As such, analyzing these threats and developing robust cybersecurity standards is imperative. This paper aims to identify key cyber threats to autonomous vessels and propose standards to help secure these emerging technologies.
Autonomous ships utilize various technologies that could be vulnerable to attacks, including navigation and propulsion control systems, communication networks, cargo handling systems and more (Baker, 2022). These systems often depend on sensors, actuators and artificial intelligence/machine learning models that may have exploitable weaknesses. Cyber criminals could target these to disrupt operations, compromise safety or even hijack vessels. Additionally, increased connectivity between ships and to shore control centers expands the attack surface and potential entry points for threats (Katsikas, 2021).
Several studies have examined potential cyberattack scenarios. For example, adversaries could spoof or jam GPS signals to manipulate navigation (Remus, 2022). Sensor data feeding into AI systems could also be tampered with to cause collisions or alter routes (Tusher, 2022). Communication protocols may be exploited to disrupt remote control or overwhelm networks with denial of service attacks (Stein, 2022). Malware insertion through unsecured devices presents another risk. Ransomware targeting administrative systems onboard or ashore might block access until ransom is paid (Baker, 2022).
To safeguard autonomous ships, cybersecurity needs to be integrated from the design phase. The following standards could help strengthen protections:
ISO 20474 – Risk Assessment Methodology (Baker, 2022). This provides guidelines for identifying vulnerabilities and their impacts to prioritize mitigations. Conducting thorough risk assessments early in development will help surface issues to address.
IEC 62443 – Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security. Parts of this multi-part standard series set baseline security practices for industrial control systems applicable to maritime environments (Katsikas, 2021). Areas like secure development, identity management and system hardening can safeguard ship operations.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework. This flexible framework offers a way to address cybersecurity challenges through standard processes of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover (Remus, 2022). Mapping autonomous vessel security to the framework provides structure.
IMO Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management. The International Maritime Organization publishes guidance for managing cyber risks that is relevant baseline standard (Tusher, 2022). Ensuring alignment here is important given IMO’s oversight role.
Data and System Isolation. Strict logical and physical separation of critical systems from less sensitive networks and data domains limits the potential impact of breaches (Stein, 2022). Microsegmentation helps enforce access controls.
Regular reviews and updates to these standards will also be needed to keep pace with emerging threats and technological changes in autonomous shipping. A coordinated effort between industry, classification societies and regulatory bodies can help strengthen cyber defenses and safeguard these future vessels. Overall, a risk and standards-based approach to security can help enable safe operations of autonomous ships.

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