The maritime industry has seen a growing attention to cyber security risks in recent years due to an increasing number of reported incidents. Canada is not insulated from the rise of global cyber conflict—its economy could face severe damage from targeted attacks.
Recent statistics reveal alarming trends. One in five shipping companies faced a cyberattack in the previous 12 months. Ransomware attacks on ships increased by 150 percent in 2025. Spoofing of GPS systems surged, with around 1,000 incidents affecting approximately 40,000 vessels per day.
But it’s not just the numbers that matter; the implications are profound. Cyber incidents can cause operational, safety, and security failures that corrupt navigation or propulsion systems. As one expert noted, “Cyber incidents can cause operational, safety, and security failures that corrupt navigation or propulsion systems, for example, and it will be those on board who will have to respond.” This highlights the human element—a factor often overshadowed by technology.
Targeting of edge devices—including routers, VPNs, and firewalls—has soared by 800 percent. Yet only 17 percent of shipyards feel they possess adequate in-house expertise to design and construct a cyber-secure vessel. This gap poses a significant risk to the industry.
Maritime regulators are aware of these challenges. They have established a common framework for cyber risk management—a step in the right direction. ABB plays an integral role here, advising customers to upgrade obsolete systems before offering full cyber security recommendations.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the maritime sector must adapt quickly to these evolving threats. The stakes are high; the cost of cyber risk will increase under Bill C-8—and that’s a good thing if it means greater accountability and investment in security measures.
Still, details remain unconfirmed about how effectively these measures will be implemented across the board. The industry stands at a crossroads: adapt or face dire consequences.
