Maritime expert explains how ships can be hacked via GPS targeting

Maritime navigation professional Saleh Hijazi elucidates the potential vulnerabilities faced by ships through GPS hacking. Speaking on Al Arabiya FM, Hijazi elaborated on how attackers could manipulate GPS devices to issue erroneous location data to vessels, thereby endangering their navigation and operation.

Hijazi outlined that contemporary ships are outfitted with an extensive suite of communication and navigation apparatus, including satellite and land-based communication tools, GPS and identification systems, along with electronic navigation systems. He noted that in certain instances, the initiation of such cyberattacks may transpire via the introduction of external devices or media harboring malicious software onto the ship's systems before attempting infiltration into operational and control systems.

One potential approach Hijazi highlighted involves targeting the GPS device itself to disseminate false locations to the ship, followed by attempts to breach identification systems housing crucial vessel data, such as its distinctive identification number and related details. He underscored that the extensive accessibility of ship information, encompassing contact details, specifications, port particulars, agents, and associated companies, compounds the challenge of safeguarding these systems, as a significant portion of this data is not classified.

In terms of preventive strategies, Hijazi emphasized the International Maritime Organization's issuance of guidelines and procedures to bolster cybersecurity aboard ships. These encompass the segregation of communication systems from those governing ship operations, coupled with stringent security protocols that seafarers must adhere to, with the aim of mitigating the risk of cyber intrusions.