Maritime cybersecurity has become a major global issue, with seaports suffering an average of 10 to 12 cyberattacks per day in 2017. This trend has continued to grow, with attacks increasing 400% in 2020. In 2011, the port of Antwerp discovered that a drug cartel had hijacked its container management system after malware infiltrated the port's network in June 2011. The malware allowed hackers to record keyboard entries to obtain usernames and passwords. The port invested nearly €200,000 to set up new countermeasures like password management and secure communication channels between operators and services.

2. a short history of cyberattacks against ports
 Maritime cybersecurity has become a major and global issue. The numbers speak for themselves: while maritime
transport alone accounts for nearly 90% of world trade, the major seaports suffered an average of 10 to 12
cyberattacks per day in 2017 (according to the Union des Ports de France). This trend only continues to grow,
since the number of cyberattacks in maritime transport increased 400% in 2020, according to the firm Naval
Dome.
 Case 1 - Antwerp, June 2011:
 malware infiltrates port system: In 2013, the port of Antwerp discovered that a drug cartel had hijacked its
container management system. In fact, the port’s computer network had been spied on since June 2011, when
the network was reportedly infiltrated by malware, specifically a keylogger (which allowed the hackers to record
the keystrokes used by the loading / unloading operators, and thereby obtain usernames and passwords).
 The port of Antwerp eventually re-secured its system by investing nearly €200,000 to set up countermeasures,
including a new password management system (to provide access to containers) and new communication
channels between port operators and customer services.