A Maritime Internet of Things (IoT)

Today, our reliance on computers and information technology is increasing faster than our ability to safeguard ourselves. Modern ships are increasingly automated with industrial control systems (ICS), and networked via satellite and cellular broadband communications, making them a floating extension of the Internet of Things (IoT).

With $19 Trillion in goods, about the value of the entire U.S. economy, transported by these ships annually, there is a strong incentive for criminals to attack the computers on which the maritime industry now depends. Beyond the financial stakes, these cyber-physical attacks pose significant risk to public safety and human life.

Mastery of maritime technologies, will determine whether authorities are able to safeguard our ports, ships, offshore oil and gas platforms, and other critical infrastructure, or whether modern criminals and terrorists are able to commit the next “Gunsway” attack with the same impunity as Henry Every and his crew.