Hybrid Warfare

This week, ABS issued type approval for IACS UR E27 cyber resilience requirements to Hanwha Systems for its cybersecurity solution SecuAider®.

IACS requirements UR E26 “Cyber Resilience of Ships” and UR E27 “Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment” now apply to new ships, and they aim to help the industry protect itself from cyberattacks.

Hybrid warfare tactics, where cyber campaigns precede or accompany physical confrontations, pose complex risks to maritime stakeholders, says Dryad Global. Geopolitical tensions are driving a surge in state-sponsored cyber operations targeting maritime infrastructure. These attacks often focus on disrupting global trade, destabilizing economies or asserting dominance in contested regions such as the South China Sea and the Arctic.

Operational technology (OT) systems, which govern essential shipboard functions such as navigation, propulsion and cargo handling, remain a major focus for attackers, says Dryad. Many of these systems rely on outdated software and lack modern cybersecurity measures, making them highly susceptible to breaches. Direct attacks on OT systems could result in vessel immobilization, navigational failures or safety incidents.

Additionally, the growing interconnectivity between IT and OT systems introduces cascading risks, where a single breach can disrupt both operational and digital environments.

Of the ransomware