Autonomous Vessels and Maritime Cybersecurity

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is characterized by an ever - expanding network of connected devices, actuators, and sensors that can interact with and collect data from their internal states and the external environment, using different protocols and standards. IoT allows physical objects, which were previously disconnected and without computing power, and people to interact remotely via the internet. Devices become smarter as they become more context - aware as a result of this characteristic. When an IoT device, or in fact any device connected to the internet has been abandoned, it becomes a digital ghost ship, much like the abandoned ships that float around in the vast ocean. When these online resources are abandoned they pose a major security threat. Security teams are concerned about the IoT explosion due to its fast production times and short life spans. Security updates may no longer be available for older devices. In addition, new devices pose a major risk due to zero - day exploits. Into this mix add all the forgotten resources including systems with default usernames and passwords. In the end, what we have is a cesspool of vulnerabilities that can attract sharks. This article talks about digital ghost ships in detail.