Concerns are mounting over the vulnerability of Africa’s maritime infrastructure to cyber-attacks due to the widespread use of outdated technology and inadequate policies.
The concerns were raised in a paper by the Anti-piracy Security Head at Trident Group America Inc, Prof. Alfred Oniye, titled, ‘The Imminent Threat of Maritime Cyber Attacks in Africa: A Call for Urgent Action’.
Oniye, who is also a dean of faculty at City University, said as the maritime sector increasingly relies on digital technologies, cybercriminals have found new opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities in port operations and vessel navigation systems.
He noted that cyber threats on Africa’s maritime infrastructure are compounded by outdated technologies in many ports and vessels, which are often ill-equipped to defend against modern cyber threats, leaving them vulnerable to cybercriminals.
Oniye referenced a report by the Institute for Security Studies, which underscored these growing vulnerabilities, highlighting the reliance on legacy systems that are no longer capable of safeguarding operations from cyber intrusions.
The report revealed that several major African ports and shipping industries are vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to outdated systems and a lack of comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks to protect against the increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks targeting maritime operations worldwide.
Oniye said the weaknesses make the continent’s ports and shipping routes attractive targets for cybercriminals, disrupting trade, causing economic losses and compromising national security.
He gave several case studies, saying recent incidents highlight the growing cyber threats in Africa.
He pointed to several recent cyber-related disruptions in regions like the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean, which have impacted shipping routes and caused significant economic losses.
Additionally, the Gulf of Guinea, notorious for piracy, is increasingly at risk of cyber operations that could facilitate physical attacks on vessels.
“Many African ports use legacy systems that are not designed to withstand modern cyber threats. There is a general lack of awareness about cyber threats among maritime stakeholders, also maritime personnel often lack the necessary training to identify and respond to cyber threats, while existing maritime security policies do not adequately address cyber security,” he stated.
Oniye said as the threat of maritime cyberattacks in Africa is real and growing, immediate action is required to protect the continent’s maritime infrastructure from these threats.
He said by modernising technology, increasing awareness, enhancing training, developing policies, and promoting international collaboration, Africa can mitigate the risks and ensure the security of its maritime operations.
Oniye warned that the failure to modernise technology and implement robust cybersecurity measures in African ports could have far-reaching consequences.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akuta, stated that the global shift toward e-commerce and digital trade presents an opportunity for the NSC to enhance its digital capabilities and lead the way in automating port operations, customs processes and supply chain management.
He explained that by adopting emerging technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT) and others, the NSC can facilitate faster, more transparent and cost-efficient trade.
Akuta emphasised that further investment in digital technologies should be prioritised to modernise operations, reduce inefficiencies and improve transparency within the shipping and logistics sectors.
He also shared his vision for the NSC, which includes driving further digitalisation within the maritime industry to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital trade arena.
