Tallinn University of Technology

The Estonian Maritime Academy of TalTech and the MariCybERA project team have released Maritime Cybersecurity, a groundbreaking scientific volume uniting 27 authors from 13 countries and four continents. The book marks a milestone in international research and cooperation to enhance cyber resilience and digital safety in the maritime domain.

The book presentation took place on 5 November at the EMERA Library, where Professor Sanja Bauk, project leader and editor, introduced the publication and its contributors. She noted that the process of coordinating experts worldwide was demanding yet highly rewarding.

“This book is more than a scholarly publication – it is a Call to Action!” said Professor Bauk. “The same innovations that make shipping and port logistics smarter and more efficient also open new pathways for cyber-attacks. As the maritime sector sails into an era of automation and hyper-connectivity, this book offers an essential roadmap for navigating the turbulent waters of cyber risks.”

The book highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the maritime domain, including the human and societal dimensions of both cyber-crime and cyber-defense. It presents mechanisms for early detection and prevention of cyber-attacks, along with security protocols based on simulator experiments, machine learning algorithms, and AI applications. The collection covers ethical, societal, and technical aspects of maritime cybersecurity and provides practical solutions to mitigate threats across the maritime ecosystem — from shipping and port logistics to education and research.

Among the topics explored are:

  • Human factors in maritime cybersecurity and seafarers’ awareness and training
  • Vulnerabilities in electronic navigation and autonomous systems
  • Internal and external attack vectors on bridge and propulsion systems
  • Cybersecurity threats and countermeasures in seaports

The 13 chapters range from theoretical studies to applied research.

The authors collectively call for stronger international cooperation, standardized frameworks, and greater investment in cyber protection techniques and management across maritime research, education, training, business, and industry.

Professor Bauk noted that several chapters are already being used in EMERA’s digital transformation and maritime IT courses, bridging research and teaching.

“It’s a highly interdisciplinary work that connects engineering, navigation, automation, telecommunications, and law – all essential for a safer digital future at sea,” she added.

The publication was made freely available through the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme under the MariCybERA project, ensuring open global access to its findings.

📘 Maritime Cybersecurity (Open Access): Maritime Cybersecurity | SpringerLink