One of the consequences of a security breach is that it can trigger the “bandwagon effect.” Incidents expose vulnerabilities that invite more organized crime gangs and malicious actors to attack. The maritime industry saw this in 2023.

Several high-profile attacks sparked port security concerns:

  • Japan’s largest port, the Port of Nahoya, was hit with a ransomware attack. Container loading and unloading were suspended for more than two days.
  • DP World Australia was crippled by a cyber incident, forcing four ports to close for three days.
  • Houthis hijacked the Galaxy Leader cargo ship. Many vessels had to reroute, which scuppered global supply chains and raised safety concerns.

Ports remain under threat in 2025

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) called for “cyber hygiene improvement” following a threat hunt at a U.S. critical infrastructure organization, where they found several vulnerabilities. NATO also warned Europe’s ports that they’re at cyberattack risk from state-linked actors.

“Cybersecurity is a major concern for the shipping industry, given how interconnected the world is. Shipping has been listed as one of the top 10 targets for cyber criminals globally," – Manager for Environment and Trade in the Marine Department of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), John Stawpert

Why maritime security needs an upgrade

While patrol teams and CCTV are effective, some cases stretch them beyond their limits and weaken security responses. For example:

  • Blind spots: Covering every square meter of a busy port isn’t realistic. Waterborne threats are difficult to spot too.
  • Security threat management: Investigating multiple security threats at once with disconnected systems is near impossible.
  • Poor visibility: Getting a clear view of people and objects of concern on camera is tough with harsh weather, night vision and dirty lenses obscuring vision.
  • Slow investigations: Needing to watch hours of CCTV footage when an incident occurs.
  • High costs: There’s an overreliance on security patrols when security systems don’t provide enough coverage and clarity.
  • Slow response to security issues: Security officers are called to investigate alerts. It can take minutes to get there and determine if it’s a security threat or a false alarm.
  • Siloed systems: An abundance of technology can lead to fractured systems. Not being able to switch between them rapidly sabotages the security response.
  • Cyber security risks: Increased digitalization and interconnected systems are at risk of cyber attacks. Any object that sends or receives data is a potential risk, including cameras and sensors

The new security technology strengthening port security

1. AI-powered cameras, made for maritime security

New maritime security devices from Pelco are built to withstand the harshest environments. High winds, corrosion, shocks, vibrations and extreme temperatures are no longer daily concerns.

Cameras feature AI-powered visual and thermal technology to identify threats far beyond the human eye’s capability. The cameras recognise people and objects of concern in high resolution, even in the most treacherous weather conditions.

2. Drones

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have become a fast-growing part of security systems to help ports protect people, assets and infrastructure. Security teams can speed up their response by deploying drones to blind spots and monitor threats in real-time.

Not only are drones typically faster to respond to threats than patrol teams, but they are also more cost-effective. Plus, they are highly customizable to help security teams spot, monitor and respond to different types of threats.

3. Security system integration

Fluid integration of systems is a must to react to threats fast. Failing to integrate products into a system slows down a security response as you lose time switching between them. This delays cloud decision-making and increases the risk of missing threats or overreacting to false alarms.

An integrated system also empowers security teams to move faster with automated workflows. This could be sending a drone to investigate an alarm at an entry point or sending the nearest officers to break up a heated argument between dockworkers. Security officers can map out the response to every kind of threat in advance, so they can act faster with less manual work.

An integrated approach strengthens port security

Ports around the world remain on high alert after several high-profile attacks. With many physical and cyber security threats to mitigate, new advances in maritime security technology can help security teams spot, monitor and respond to threats faster. An integrated approach tightens the gaps between systems to give security teams the details they need to respond.