The maritime industry has seen a growing attention to cyber security risks in recent years due to an increasing number of reported incidents. Canada is not insulated from the rise of global cyber conflict. In fact, a targeted attack could severely damage Canada’s economy.
Recent statistics reveal alarming trends. One in five shipping companies faced a cyberattack in the previous 12 months. Ransomware attacks on ships surged by 150 percent in 2025, raising concerns among industry experts.
Moreover, GPS spoofing incidents have skyrocketed, with approximately 1,000 incidents affecting around 40,000 vessels each day. This kind of disruption can lead to catastrophic consequences for navigation and safety.
Edge devices like routers and firewalls are increasingly under threat, with targeting soaring by 800 percent. Yet many shipyards are ill-prepared—only 17 percent feel they have adequate in-house expertise to construct cyber-secure vessels.
As one expert noted, “Cyber incidents can cause operational, safety, and security failures that corrupt navigation or propulsion systems, for example, and it will be those on board who will have to respond.” This highlights the human toll of technological vulnerabilities.
ABB has stepped up its role in addressing these challenges. The company emphasizes the importance of upgrading obsolete systems before providing full cyber security recommendations. Their expertise is integral to ensuring safe operations across ship power and monitoring systems.
Maritime regulators are taking action too. They’ve established a common framework for cyber risk management aimed at bolstering defenses within the industry.
As one shipping executive stated regarding new regulations: “Cyber risk will be costlier under Bill C-8—and that’s a good thing.” This suggests a shift towards prioritizing security over convenience.
But the journey towards robust cybersecurity is just beginning. As one individual reflected after experiencing a breach: “I needed a new number, a new device, a new everything. Immediately.” Little did they know this was just the beginning of their struggles.
The future remains uncertain as the maritime sector adapts to these evolving threats. Observers believe that as awareness grows, so too will efforts to secure vessels against potential attacks—an essential step for safeguarding lives and livelihoods on the water.
