# Cybersecurity Challenges in the Maritime Sector
## 2 Background on Ship Automation Systems  
Modern and autonomous ships are equipped with a variety of complex automated systems that have made the sea a much safer place than before [3]. However, some of these systems are often insecure and vulnerable to attack because they are considered less critical to security and performance [11]. As shown in Figure 1, these systems include navigation systems, radio detection and ranging (radar), Automatic Identification Systems (AISs), communications systems, and control systems for the wide range of electromechanical systems on board ships, such as the main engine, generators, converter drives, etc. [3, 12]. Navigation systems include the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), the Global Positioning System (GPS), and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS). Figure 1: Automation systems for modern and autonomous ships [13]. tem (GNSS). GPS and GNSS are crucial enablers for modern and autonomous shipping worldwide [14]. Satellite positioning can be used in conjunction with other situational awareness systems that provide relative positioning information for decision-making [11]. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a radio broadcasting system that operates on both ships and shores. It is used for vessel traffic monitoring and assistance and to notify port and maritime authorities of the ship's location. It is also very useful for accident investigation, search and rescue operations, and weather forecasting [11, 15]. In fact, the ability to rely on transmitted data is crucial to maintain situational awareness and avoid collisions at sea. ECDIS is an integrated electronic navigation system that combines the data obtained from a number of electronic navigation sensors, such as GPS, radar, and AIS, and displays it in the form of a graphic image [12]. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all commercial vessels to have ECDIS, which is typically installed on the bridge [11]. Radio detection and ranging (radar) is also a crucial system for modern ships because it provides valuable information about the ship's surroundings and also detects physical objects using radio waves, e.g., microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum [16]. In order to ensure high-speed data transmission rates throughout naval operations, most modern ships and vessels are equipped with the Maritime Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), which acts as a ground station for the satellite to transmit and receive data from the antenna. The transceiver is mounted above the deck to align with the satellite view, and the control unit is located beneath the deck and serves as the computer's interface [17]. VSAT offers a variety of communication and security services such as ECDIS, AIS, telephone, Internet, cargo handling, wireless integration, crew welfare, and weather forecasting. The modern shipping industry is also seeing an increase in demand for automated intelligent video surveillance systems to monitor transport operations, especially in large storage areas, generators, and large vessels carrying valuable cargo [12]. In addition, shipping and maritime industries are heavily dependent on Shipboard Industrial Control Systems (ICSs) and IT network systems [3, 12]. ICSs help to quickly collect and aggregate security and operational data from the entire ship's control and automation systems. It monitors temperature, pressure, level, viscosity, flow control, speed, torque, voltage, current, and machinery and equipment status on board in order to maintain safety and operational reliability and to keep up with an evolving threat landscape [18, 19]. The Global Maritime Distress System (GMDSS) [20], propulsion control system [21], Integrated Bridge Systems (IBSs), machinery management [22], and power control systems [23] are other key features of the automation systems on board a ship that play an increasingly important role in facilitating the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of the ship.