Coast Guard Report Highlights Common Cybersecurity Trends Affecting Maritime Transportation System

A report issued by the U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Protection Teams and Maritime Cyber Readiness Branch disclosed malicious actors’ common attack strategies in the Marine Transportation System amid the growing number of cyberattacks.

An 80 percent increase in ransomware attacks is one of the common trends identified by the 2023 Cyber Trends and Insights in the Marine Environment report. The other information disclosed in the document includes maritime shipping companies, liquid natural gas processors and distributors and petrochemical firms being common targets by bad actors and the vulnerability of networked-connected operating technology in port facilities, the Coast Guard said. 

Rear Adm. John C. Vann, Coast Guard Cyber Command commander, said the service has the responsibility to safeguard ports and other maritime infrastructure amid the growing number of malicious actors targeting critical infrastructure.

The Coast Guard has been emphasizing the importance of fortifying the cybersecurity posture of the military branch’s network. In August 2023, the military branch established a new cyber protection unit that will support assessment, identification and addressing of threats afflicting the Marine Transportation System.