The maritime industry has seen a growing attention to cyber security risks in recent years due to an increasing number of reported incidents.
As of early Tuesday, experts warn that Canada is not insulated from the rise of global cyber conflict. 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 increased by 150 percent in 2025.
Additionally, GPS spoofing incidents surged, with around 1,000 occurrences affecting approximately 40,000 vessels per day. This poses significant operational risks.
Targeting of edge devices—including routers, VPNs, and firewalls—soared by an astonishing 800 percent. Many shipyards lack adequate expertise; only 17 percent feel equipped to design and construct cyber-secure vessels.
Cyber incidents can cause operational, safety, and security failures that corrupt navigation or propulsion systems. “Cyber incidents can cause operational, safety, and security failures that corrupt navigation or propulsion systems,” an expert noted.
In response to these rising threats, maritime regulators have established a common framework for cyber risk management. ABB plays an integral role in ensuring the safe implementation of systems related to ship power and control.
ABB advises customers to upgrade obsolete systems before offering full cyber security recommendations. Yet, human and process-related factors often weigh more heavily than technology in determining a ship’s security posture.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any specific recent incidents affecting Canada directly. However, observers stress the importance of immediate action to bolster defenses across the industry.
This situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced cyber security measures within Canada’s maritime sector as threats continue to escalate globally—underscoring vulnerabilities that could have dire economic implications.