Contemporary ships have evolved beyond being mere steel, motors, and know-how. They are shipborne information networks. Technology is now at the forefront of maritime functions such as navigation, propulsion, cargo handling, as well as the comfort of the crew. However, the maritime industry has been quick to adopt technology, although most ships have been using systems not originally envisioned to address the current state of threats.
This is where the real issue resides. Legacy systems on ships are usually stable, trusted, and well-known, and that is why they are also very vulnerable. As cyber attacks on shipping infrastructure remain on the increase, these legacy systems are now easy prey. Understanding maritime cyber risk and its connection with legacy systems is no longer an optional aspect, now it’s about staying safe and compliant.
This piece examines the reasons for the increasing cyber risk associated with legacy ship systems in the year 2025 and, more particularly, the measures taken to minimise exposure.
What Are Legacy Ship Systems?
Speaking generally, a legacy system may refer to the use of technology on board a vessel that was installed many years ago. Such systems may encompass a variety of systems, including electronic charts and radar, propulsion and engine control, satellite communications, cargo monitoring systems, and other operational technologies that support the overall operation of the vessel. They may also encompass other operational technologies.
Yet, these systems remain highly prevalent for a reason. It is costly to replace shipboard systems, system downtime is expensive, and many of the legacy systems are still compliant with regulatory requirements. They are often well understood by the personnel who use them, and a system is frequently viewed as “safe” merely because it has worked well for a long time.
The problem lies in the fact that the systems created often were not designed with current maritime cyber security requirements in mind. In addition, the lack of modern operating systems, encryption capabilities, supported software, or the ability to patch easily leaves open the possibility of breaches. The end result places systems that are interconnected with current digital technology in vulnerable positions.
The Growing Cyber Risk in 2025
The risk environment around shipping has changed profoundly. Cyber-incident threats to ships, ports, and offshore installations are not only possible but a realistic danger that is becoming increasingly frequent, targeted, and often traceable to a wider geopolitical/crime activity context.
There have been recent intelligence reports of an escalation in ransomware attacks, state-sponsored cyber operations, as well as politically motivated cyber attacks, with GPS/AIS spoofing becoming more prevalent in high-risk areas, malware and networking intrusions are being used to disrupt or gain sensitive information. None of these maritime cyber events are theoretical: All are occurring in reality with real-world implications.
Legacy systems exacerbate this challenge. Legacy systems cannot identify unusual user behavior, record events adequately, or provide today’s sophisticated security measures. Attackers only need to exploit one compromised computer system, USB drive connection, or improperly segmented network to provide lateral access to all systems within the maritime platform. In this case, an attack on a maritime platform does not necessarily have to be sophisticated.
Threats and Impacts of Cyber Security Breaches
Cyber events on the vessel can vary widely in nature and type. Ransomware attacks can lock users out of essential computer systems. Vessel navigation information can be hacked and pose a risk to vessel safety. Communications can fail at the worst possible time. Confidential information can be stolen and resold.
The effects are well beyond the technical problem at hand. A disrupted operation could result in delays to the sailing schedule, integrity of the carried cargo, or even the routings of the vessels themselves. Monetary losses will follow shortly after, including but not limited to loss of revenue due to the unproductive time of the equipment.
In terms of compliance, there is a greater focus by regulators and flag states regarding cyber preparedness. A negative consequence of inadequate cyber risk management may arise through audit results. The risks and effects of maritime cyber attacks may, of course, be compounded by legacy systems, since there is less to be done to counter them, and the time to recover is longer.
How to Manage Cyber Risk on Legacy Systems
The truth is that no operator can just rip out their legacy technology overnight. The management of cyber exposure is a control, visibility, and planning issue, not just a modernisation one.
A good place to begin would be to have a clear understanding of the risks that are actually present on board. Asset audits and vulnerability assessments can provide a clear understanding of where risks lie, as well as whether there are certain systems that should be addressed.
Patch management is also important even for systems that are hard to update. In cases where there are no available patches, other measures can also be employed to limit vulnerability, like controlled access, strict configuration, and monitoring.
Network segmentation is another step that has to be accomplished. Segregating the IT and OT networks prevents the breach from propagating. The legacy systems should not have complete connectivity, and the unnecessary communication paths from systems should be blocked.
Human behavior should also be considered. Training and awareness among crews minimise the possibility of endangering behaviors, such as the use of personnel USB drives or downloading unapproved software. Procedures also ensure that crews respond to an incident as practiced during training.
There is a point, however, beyond which risk cannot effectively be reduced or minimised through controls. In cases where systems remain unsupported, unpatchable, and insecure, proposed upgrades or replacements may need to be factored into a longer-term plan.
Where Securewest Fits In
Cyber exposure management at sea faces challenges that are more than mere technicalities. It involves intelligence, context, and experience. At Securewest International, the company serves its clientele in the commercial maritime industry and superyacht sectors using a mix of intelligence products, risk appraisals, and operational security expertise.
Through the integration of threat intelligence and real-world knowledge of ship operations, Securewest enables ship owners and operators to identify areas of overlap between cyber security threats and safety, compliance, and reputation. This is part of a larger array of maritime security services and support related to high-risk areas customised by the company.
When it comes to organisations operating worldwide, intelligence-led insight plays a crucial role in helping organisations navigate the impact of threat activities, crimes, and tactics in a particular region on specific voyages. To learn more, you are invited to access Securewest’s Intelligence Services for deeper insight into regional threats, voyage-specific risks, and emerging cyber activity.
Turning Awareness Into Action
Legacy systems in ships are not disappearing in the near future, however, overlooking cyber risks associated with those same legacy systems in ships no longer appears to be an acceptable position to be in.
The good news is that maritime cyber security begins not by tearing everything apart. Rather, it is built on the principles of understanding what is going on. It is built on the principles of making decisions based on that understanding and taking appropriate measures that are practical within the environment that exists at sea.
But perhaps you are still unsure what position your vessels are in? That’s where Securewest International can assist with the first step of this process. From assessment through to ongoing support, guidance through this process helps with protecting persons, property, and reputation within the increasingly complex digital maritime space.Find out more about our Maritime Security Expertise, explore tailored Superyacht Risk Management, or Contact Us to find out how your organisation could enhance its cyber security approach when it comes to your maritime activities.