Soundings Papers: The Rising Threat of Maritime Cyber-attacks: Level of Maritime Cyber-security Preparedness along the Straits of Malacca and Singapore

Maritime cyber-attacks constitute an added complexity on top of traditional maritime threats such as piracy, illegal activities, maritime terrorism and accidents at sea. The global maritime sector is increasingly digitalised, automated and connected. With it comes a host of cyber threats that have in recent years risen significantly. For instance, cyber-attacks on shore-based maritime related systems have risen nine-fold in the past few years while cases of GPS and AIS spoofing have been frequently observed. Infiltrating and thereafter controlling a commercial vessel to capsize, collide or cause environmental damage are now well within the realms of possibilities.

With these developments in mind, this research highlights the realities of maritime cyber-security through recent events and case studies. In particular, this paper examines to what extent are Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia ready to counter the rising threat of maritime cyber-attacks in the congested Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).