Maritime cybersecurity and the IMO legal instruments: Sluggish response to an escalating threat?

Article


Karim, Md Saiful. 2022. "Maritime cybersecurity and the IMO legal instruments: Sluggish response to an escalating threat?" Marine Policy. 143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105138
Article Title

Maritime cybersecurity and the IMO legal instruments: Sluggish response to an escalating threat?

ERA Journal ID18908
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsKarim, Md Saiful
Journal TitleMarine Policy
Journal Citation143
Article Number105138
Number of Pages7
Year2022
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0308-597X
1872-9460
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105138
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X22001853
Abstract

Maritime cybersecurity threats are sharply growing. The safety and security of ports, ships, and offshore installations are increasingly threatened due to cyberattacks from numerous sources. With the increasing digitalization of the maritime sector during the global pandemic, the number of cyberattacks on the maritime industry exponentially intensified recently. Against this backdrop, this article critically analyses the existing IMO legal instruments to identify the scope for further development. This study is based on a doctrinal analysis of recent legal and technical literature and the relevant IMO legal instruments and documents. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of the IMO regulations for ensuring maritime cybersecurity. Although the IMO adopted some legal and policy instruments for maritime cybersecurity, the current international legal framework is inadequate for effectively dealing with maritime cybersecurity threats. This article argues that further initiative may be taken for an effective international legal reform through multidimensional cooperation involving State and non-state actors.

KeywordsCybersecurity; Cyber-attacks ; International law ; Ships; Ports; Offshore installations ; International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020480309. Ocean law and governance
480310. Public international law
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Byline AffiliationsQueensland University of Technology
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