Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Maritime Dynamic Positioning Systems

Offshore vessels, cruise liners, and other maritime vessels rely heavily on automated Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems for control, stabilization, and correct vessel handling. However, many DP systems are vulnerable to cyber attacks, which could cause catastrophes – such as those depicted in the (based on a true event) movie “Last Breath”.

This article covers potential cyber risks to DP systems and best practices to mitigate these risks.

Understanding Dynamic Positioning Systems

Dynamic Positioning systems (DP systems) are computer-controlled systems that automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading using multiple sensors and the vessel’s thrusters. These systems rely on position reference systems, environmental sensors such as wind and motion sensors on multiple axes, and computer systems to calculate environmental forces and counter them in real-time. DP systems also help maintain the vessel in a fixed position without an anchor when needed.

Critical DP Vulnerabilities and Their Implications

Integrating digital technologies in Dynamic Positioning systems has created multiple attack vectors that malicious actors could exploit. Here are several scenarios that highlight the potential consequences of successful cyber attacks:

Risk to Offshore Loading Operations

A most concerning scenario involves offshore loading operations. When vessels transfer oil from offshore facilities, they depend entirely on DP systems for precise positioning to establish a connection to the other vessel. A compromised DP system that shows incorrect readings during these operations could have catastrophic consequences:

  • Loss of position control could cause collision with offshore structures
  • Oil spill risks from damaged transfer systems
  • Potential explosions from the combination of fuel, oil, and impact
  • Immediate danger to crew members on both the vessel and facility

Deep-water Drilling Concerns

In deep-water drilling operations, Dynamic Positioning systems are not just convenient—they’re essential. Modern drilling vessels operating in depths where traditional anchoring is impossible rely completely on these systems. A successful attack could:

  • Cause drill string damage from sudden position shifts
  • Lead to well control issues and potential blowouts
  • Result in crew safety hazards and environmental disasters from drilling accidents
  • Create significant financial losses from operational disruptions

Subsea Operations and Diver Safety

DP systems play a crucial role in maintaining vessel position during underwater operations. When divers are working beneath these vessels, their lives literally depend on the system’s reliability. A cyber attack in this context could:

  • Cause sudden vessel movement, endangering divers
  • Disrupt communication systems between divers and surface crews
  • Prevent emergency response procedures from being properly executed

Cruise Ship Vulnerabilities

The cruise industry is increasingly relying on Dynamic Positioning systems for offshore anchoring, introducing new risks to passenger safety. When cruise ships use DP systems instead of traditional mooring:

  • System compromise could affect vessel stability in varying weather conditions
  • Incorrect or loss of DP reading in heavy traffic areas could result in collisions 
  • Thousands of passengers could be at risk if positioning fails
  • Emergency evacuation procedures could be compromised

Cyber Risks to Dynamic Positioning Systems

Dynamic Positioning systems involve ICS (Industrial Computerized Systems), such as sensors and control units, alongside a central computer with information being transferred between them. Being a core operational and safety system, the DP system is usually also connected to the bridge /vessel management systems and do not work in silo. Malicious actors could use several methods to disrupt their correct operation:

Unauthorized Access

Malicious actors who can bypass user access controls can gain unlimited access to the DP system and even to some digital sensors, resulting in incorrect readings, incorrect management of propulsion and steering systems, or even complete shutdown of the central DP system computer.

Malware 

If not properly secured, the computer networks that control Dynamic Positioning systems can be infiltrated with malware. Malware can corrupt data, disrupt system operations, or open backdoors for unauthorized access.

Insider Threats

Human factors play a significant role in cybersecurity risks. Compromised crew devices can be used to penetrate the vessel’s networks unintentionally or intentionally and gain unauthorized access. Lack of training and awareness can also lead to accidental breaches, such as downloading malicious software or falling victim to phishing attacks.

Third-Party Vendor Vulnerabilities

Dynamic Positioning systems often integrate hardware and software from multiple vendors. Each component can introduce its own vulnerabilities. Without proper vetting and regular updates, outdated or unsecured components can become entry points for cyber attackers.

Inadequate Network Segmentation

Failure to properly segment networks can allow attackers to move laterally within a vessel’s systems once they gain access. Compromising a less secure system, like crew internet access, could result in control over critical DP operations.

Interference with GPS Signals

Dynamic Positioning systems heavily rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS for accurate positioning. Cybercriminals can manipulate or block satellite signals using techniques like GPS spoofing or jamming. Spoofing can deceive the DP system into miscalculating its position and thus incorrectly applying thrust power.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these vulnerabilities, maritime operators should implement maritime cybersecurity that is capable of providing holistic protection for both IT and OT systems, including:

  1. Network segmentation to isolate Dynamic Positioning systems from other vessel networks and continuous monitoring to ensure the network segmentation is not breached
  2. Robust backup systems and redundancy measures
  3. Continuous monitoring for unusual system behavior and network traffic anomalies
  4. Regular cybersecurity audits specifically focused on DP systems
  5. Regular crew training on cyber threats and emergency procedures

Looking Forward

The maritime industry must recognize that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a fundamental safety issue. As DP systems become more sophisticated and vessels more dependent on them, the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly critical.

Organizations must invest both in technological solutions and human expertise to protect these vital systems. This includes developing incident response plans specifically for DP-related cyber incidents and establishing industry-wide best practices for securing these systems.

 

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