Maritime Security in the Digital Age: Threats No Longer Come Only from the Sea

English - Ngày đăng : 08:00, 30/08/2025

As global maritime transport becomes increasingly digitalized and automated, threats to maritime security no longer stem solely from piracy or traditional warfare. Instead, they are shifting toward targeted, sophisticated cyberattacks with global impact.

Maritime Security Is No Longer a Traditional Concept

Traditionally, maritime security has been defined as defending against physical threats such as piracy or vessel collisions. However, as the shipping industry transforms through automated fleet management and the digitalization of global supply chains, the nature of threats is evolving. Information systems, control devices, and operational data onboard ships and at ports have become prime targets for cybercriminals. This shift demands a completely new mindset for protecting maritime assets and trade flows—especially as container volumes and cargo values rise each year, where even minor disruptions can lead to significant losses.

Maritime Crime Is Evolving—From Weapons to AI

In 2024, nearly 150 armed piracy incidents were reported globally. But these represent only the tip of the iceberg. Wildlife trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms trading via maritime channels are becoming increasingly sophisticated and organized. Even more alarming is the use of artificial intelligence by criminal organizations to spoof AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals, deceive navigation systems, and disrupt maritime information flows. These tactics have led to ships being misrouted, colliding, or becoming easy targets when lacking robust cyber defenses.

Smart Ports and the “Invisible Loopholes” in Supply Chains

The rollout of smart ports with electronic transaction systems, real-time cargo tracking, and automated loading and unloading processes has dramatically improved operational efficiency. However, it has also opened new attack surfaces for hackers. Disabling crane coordination systems, disrupting vessel schedules, stealing cargo data, or unlocking container codes—these are not hypothetical scenarios; they have already occurred. Major ports such as Los Angeles, Singapore, and Rotterdam have all experienced cyberattacks that caused severe service interruptions and financial losses totaling millions of dollars.

It's Time to Rethink Maritime Security

A recent United Nations Security Council report emphasized the increasing multidimensional threats to maritime security, particularly in strategic waters like Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. Conflicts in Gaza and tensions among major powers have led to unexpected attacks on vessels, causing them to lose maneuverability or access to planned transshipment hubs. Meanwhile, transnational smuggling tactics—such as using disguised containers, rapidly transferring vessel ownership, or declaring false routes—are becoming more common, making enforcement and interception increasingly difficult.

Today’s maritime world is undergoing profound changes in supply chain structure, operational technology, and risk profiles. Yet not all nations are adapting fast enough. While some countries are investing heavily in building cybersecurity defenses, emergency response mechanisms, and smart security inspection processes, others still underestimate the importance of non-traditional threats in maritime transport. This oversight risks turning them into the weakest link in the global supply chain.

Vietnam, emerging as a logistics hub in Asia, cannot afford to stand apart from this trend. Unless it rapidly builds early warning systems, enhances cyber response capabilities at seaports, and integrates operational data among key stakeholders, it is only a matter of time before the country falls victim to cybercrime or maritime security crises. The time to act is now. Vietnam must transform from a follower to a leader in regional maritime security strategy.

By Phong Le