Cybersecurity in the Smart Port

The era of smart ports has arrived, digitized ports where not only goods are transported and stored, but also data. In this context, it is crucial to ensure that such data is well protected.

In fact, cybersecurity is one of the pillars of the State Ports Strategic Framework. In Strategic Line 13 on “safe and secure ports,” cybersecurity stands out as “a matter of great relevance” within the field of port protection.

Smart ports integrate numerous technological components: IoT sensors, automation platforms, operational control systems, digital twins, communication networks, and more. Each of these elements introduces a risk surface from a cybersecurity standpoint, which is why their protection must be addressed comprehensively.

Risks and Challenges of Smart Ports

So, what risks might these smart ports face? Since Smart Ports operate as critical infrastructures, they can be exposed to different types of attacks that jeopardize both their operations and the security of the information they store. Here are some of the most common risks:

• Ransomware. This type of cyberattack is becoming increasingly common in the port system. These attacks can halt port operations for days, causing significant economic and reputational losses.
• Data manipulation. Because they are connected, there is a possibility that an attacker could manipulate port data, leading to errors.
• Theft of strategic data. Smart ports store large volumes of information, including sensitive data that may be compromised if access and security controls are inadequate.
• Chain effects. As ports are connection points within global logistics chains, an incident in one port within a connected network can affect other companies or ports that are part of the ecosystem.

Smart ports also face cybersecurity challenges inherent to their own characteristics:

• Integration of legacy and modern technologies. Some ports were not designed to be connected to networks. Integrating modern technologies with these legacy infrastructures can create security gaps that are difficult to address and may make them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Global connectivity. By nature, ports are essential interconnection points in global transport and trade networks. This high level of connectivity increases the risk of cyberattacks, as port systems interface with numerous external actors. This means that an attack on any of these actors can affect the security of the entire ecosystem.
• Regulatory challenges. Port cybersecurity can be hindered by the lack of a unified global regulatory framework. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established new guidelines to address cybersecurity, but international cooperation between ports and regulatory authorities remains limited, making it difficult to implement global cybersecurity standards.

Some Best Practices

Many ports that are undergoing or have already completed digitalization are implementing a series of best practices to improve their cybersecurity. These include:

• Network segmentation. When digitalizing a port, it is essential to apply network segmentation. In other words, industrial control systems must be separated from broader corporate networks to reduce the risk of an attack affecting the rest of the operations.
• Updating legacy systems. Another best practice is investing in the modernization of older systems so that modern security measures can be integrated.
• Continuous monitoring. Many ports are implementing continuous, real-time monitoring systems to prevent cyberattacks. In this area, AI and machine learning are very helpful in detecting suspicious behavior.
• Training and talent development. Investing in staff training is crucial to ensure they can detect threats. It is also important to hire cybersecurity experts.
• Response plans. Having established incident response plans is essential to ensure fast and effective action in the event of an incident.

In this regard, many companies are already seeing great potential in this area to innovate and provide solutions that strengthen the cybersecurity of smart ports. Within La Lonja de la Innovación’s ecosystem, we work with some of these companies, such as Panssari.