Bridging the Gap Between IT and OT in Maritime Cybersecurity

Maritime cybersecurity is now a critical concern for ship operators, port authorities, and the wider supply chain. Modern vessels are increasingly connected, combining traditional operational technology (OT) with advanced information technology (IT). This convergence delivers efficiency and insight but also creates new risks. Cyber attackers can now exploit the link between IT and OT to disrupt operations, compromise safety, or even cause environmental harm.

Understanding IT and OT in the Maritime Environment

In maritime cybersecurity, IT and OT play very different roles. IT covers familiar systems such as email, cargo documentation, and shore-based communications. OT powers the vessel’s essential operations, including propulsion, power distribution, and ballast water management.

Traditionally, OT systems were isolated and built for reliability rather than connectivity. Today, digitalisation and efficiency demands have connected them to IT networks for analytics and remote management. While this improves performance, it expands the attack surface for cyber criminals.

Common risks include:

• Malware spreading from crew devices to navigation and propulsion systems.
• Phishing attacks on IT networks that cascade into OT environments.
• Poorly controlled vendor access creating backdoors for attackers.

The IMO and Maritime Cybersecurity Compliance

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requires all shipping companies to integrate cyber risk management into their Safety Management Systems (SMS). This became mandatory in 2021.

IMO guidelines focus on:

• Identifying critical systems and assessing vulnerabilities.
• Implementing risk-based controls to reduce exposure.
• Preparing response plans to limit the operational impact of incidents.

Compliance with IMO guidance is more than a regulatory necessity. It provides a framework for unifying IT and OT defences, ensuring safe and reliable vessel operations in an increasingly digital environment.

Closing the IT and OT Security Gap

Achieving strong maritime cybersecurity means treating IT and OT systems as a single ecosystem. OT systems on vessels and in ports bring unique challenges, including legacy hardware, vendor-managed components, and maintenance windows that make patching difficult.

To bridge this gap, operators should follow a multi-layered strategy:

1. Conduct a Full Risk Assessment

A comprehensive risk assessment forms the foundation of IT and OT security. Operators should:

• Identify all assets across networks, including legacy OT components often overlooked.
• Map critical dependencies between shipboard and shore-based systems.
• Evaluate vulnerabilities such as open ports, outdated software, and weak remote access controls.

Even a seemingly isolated engine control system might have indirect connections through crew Wi-Fi or maintenance terminals. Understanding these hidden pathways is essential.

With a greater understanding of associated risks, owners and operators will be able to make more informed decisions around system segregation or integration.

2. Segment and Monitor Networks

Network segmentation limits the spread of an attack and protects vital OT functions. Operators should:

• Create dedicated OT zones separated from IT traffic.
• Use firewalls and VLANs to control interactions between the environments.
• Deploy monitoring and intrusion detection to identify anomalies quickly.

Real-time monitoring is crucial because OT systems often cannot be patched as frequently as IT. Early detection of suspicious activity – such as unauthorised access or unusual commands – can prevent a minor breach becoming a critical incident.

3. Control Third-Party Access

Third-party contractors are frequent attack vectors. Hackers often compromise vendor credentials to gain remote access to OT systems. Operators should:

• Apply role-based, time-limited access for all third parties.
• Audit and log remote sessions, with real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
• Enforce vendor cyber hygiene, including secure devices and encrypted connections.

Tightening this access closes one of the most exploited weaknesses in maritime IT and OT security.

4. Train Crew and Shore Staff

Human error remains the most common cause of maritime cyber incidents. Effective training should:

• Teach phishing awareness, device security, and reporting procedures.
• Include scenario-based drills for IT and OT, such as GPS spoofing or ECDIS compromise.
• Promote shared responsibility, closing the cultural gap between IT and OT teams.

When crew and shore staff are cyber-aware, they become a strong first line of defence.

5. Plan and Test Incident Response

Even well-protected environments can face a breach. A robust incident response plan should include:

• Clear escalation paths from ship to shore.
• Communication protocols that remain operational if networks are disrupted.
• OT-specific measures, such as isolating compromised systems or switching to manual operation.

Regular testing through tabletop exercises and live drills ensures response plans are practical, fast, and effective.

By implementing these steps, operators move beyond simple compliance and achieve resilient maritime cybersecurity. This proactive approach protects vessel operations, satisfies regulators, and enhances confidence in digital transformation.

Expert Insight: Pete Rucinski, Maritime Cyber Security Leader

Pete Rucinski, Managing Director of Assure Technical, is a recognised authority in maritime cybersecurity with over two decades of expereince across naval operations, cyber risk management, and security consultancy.

Pete began his career in the Royal Navy, gaining first-hand insight into the operational demands of maritime technology where system reliability and safety of life are paramount. This operational foundation shaped his understanding of how cyber threats can directly impact vessel performance, safety, andmission-critical systems.

In the commercial sector, Pete has supported global shipping operators, energy platforms, and major Critical National Infrastructure facilities, helping them to:

• Assess and mitigate IT and OT vulnerabilities across fleets and shore-based facilities.
• Achieve compliance with IMO cyber risk management, IMCSO testing methodology and Maritime Cyber Baseline Certification.
• Develop integrated incident response plans that protect operations and regulatory standing.

Pete is known for bridging the gap between IT and OT security, translating technical risks into clear, operationally effective strategies. His approach ensures maritime organisations can embrace digitalisation safely while meeting the highest standards of cyber resilience.

Turning Security into a Strategic Advantage

For many operators, maritime cyber security is seen as a compliance exercise – a way to meet IMO requirements and reassure insurers. However, the most forward-thinking organisations recognise that cyber resilience is also a powerful enabler of competitive advantage.

1. Enhancing Operational Confidence

When IT and OT environments are secured as a unified ecosystem, operators gain the confidence to embrace digitalisation safely. Advanced analytics, remote diagnostics, and smart maintenance can be deployed without fear of creating exploitable vulnerabilities. This allows vessels and ports to operate with fewer disruptions, even as they adopt cutting-edge technology.

2. Strengthening Commercial Reputation

Charterers, insurers, and port authorities increasingly consider cyber resilience a marker of professionalism and reliability. Demonstrating compliance with IMO guidelines and certifications like Maritime Cyber Baseline sends a clear message:

“Our operations are secure, resilient, and ready for the challenges of a connected maritime world.”

This reputation can translate into better commercial relationships, preferential chartering opportunities, and enhanced trust across the supply chain.

3. Reducing Financial and Legal Exposure

The financial impact of a cyber incident can be severe – ranging from delayed voyages to environmental penalties or even loss of life claims. By proactively addressing IT and OT vulnerabilities, operators can reduce insurance premiums, limit regulatory exposure, and avoid costly downtime.

4. Driving Long-Term Digital Transformation

True thought leadership in maritime cybersecurity is not about avoiding risk – it is about enabling innovation securely. Operators who invest in robust cyber strategies are better positioned to adopt:

• Autonomous and semi-autonomous vessel technologies
• Real-time fleet monitoring and predictive maintenance systems
• Port and logistics integrations that optimise supply chains

By making cybersecurity a strategic pillar, these organisations are not only protecting today’s operations – they are building a foundation for the maritime industry of the future.

Secure Your Maritime Future

Cyber threats to IT and OT systems are now a reality, not a risk on the horizon. A single incident can disrupt voyages, threaten safety, and damage reputation. The organisations that thrive are those that act before attackers do.

Assure Technical helps ship operators, ports, and offshore facilities achieve IMO compliance, protect critical systems, and embrace digital transformation securely.

Speak to a Maritime Cybersecurity Specialist to turn cybersecurity from a regulatory task into a strategic advantage at sea.