Supply Chain Security

Port & Terminal Security

Operational resilience for the critical nodes that connect global supply chains. Protecting cargo management systems, vessel traffic services, and automated handling equipment from cyber disruption.

90%
Of global trade moves by sea
800+
Major ports worldwide
$14T
Annual seaborne trade value
24/7
Continuous operations required

Critical Port Systems

Modern ports depend on interconnected operational technology systems that coordinate vessel movements, cargo handling, and logistics. Each system presents unique security challenges.

Terminal Operating Systems (TOS)

Core platforms managing container inventory, berth allocation, yard planning, and gate operations. Disruption halts cargo movement across the entire terminal.

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)

Maritime traffic management systems monitoring vessel movements, providing navigation assistance, and coordinating port approaches. Safety-critical for busy waterways.

Cargo Handling Equipment

Ship-to-shore cranes, automated stacking cranes, and straddle carriers. Increasingly automated and networked, creating expanded attack surfaces.

Port Community Systems

Platforms connecting port authorities, terminals, customs, shipping lines, and logistics providers. Single points of integration handling sensitive trade data.

Access Control & CCTV

Physical security systems controlling facility access and monitoring operations. Integration with IT networks creates cyber-physical security dependencies.

Industrial Control Systems

SCADA and PLCs controlling utilities, fuel systems, and environmental monitoring. Legacy systems often lack modern security capabilities.

Threat Landscape

Ports face a diverse threat landscape combining financially motivated cybercrime with potential for strategic disruption of trade flows and supply chains.

Critical

Ransomware Targeting Terminal Operations

Ransomware groups increasingly target port and terminal operators, encrypting TOS and operational systems. Recent incidents have caused week-long disruptions affecting global supply chains and costing tens of millions in recovery and delays.

Critical

Supply Chain Data Manipulation

Sophisticated actors target cargo management systems to manipulate manifests, misdeclare dangerous goods, or facilitate smuggling. Data integrity attacks can have safety, security, and regulatory consequences.

High

Automated Equipment Compromise

As ports deploy automated cranes, vehicles, and handling systems, the attack surface expands. Compromising automation systems could cause physical damage, safety incidents, or prolonged operational disruption.

High

VTS and Navigation Interference

Attacks on vessel traffic services or AIS systems could create confusion in port approaches, increasing collision risk or enabling vessels to evade monitoring and inspection.

Our Services

Comprehensive security services designed for port authorities, terminal operators, and the logistics ecosystem that depends on port infrastructure.

Port OT Security Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of operational technology security across terminal operations, cargo handling, and industrial control systems. We assess network architecture, access controls, monitoring capabilities, and resilience against targeted attacks. Deliverables include risk-prioritised findings and practical remediation roadmaps.

Terminal Operating System Security

Focused security review of TOS platforms and their integration with cargo handling equipment, port community systems, and enterprise IT. We evaluate authentication, data integrity controls, backup and recovery capabilities, and vendor security practices.

Network Segmentation & Architecture

Design and implementation support for network architectures that isolate critical OT systems while enabling necessary operational integration. We help ports move from flat networks to defensible architectures aligned with IEC 62443 principles.

Incident Response Planning

Development and testing of incident response procedures for cyber events affecting port operations. We help you prepare for scenarios from ransomware affecting TOS to coordinated attacks during peak shipping periods, including exercises with operational teams.

Threat Intelligence & Monitoring

Curated threat intelligence focused on risks to port and maritime logistics infrastructure. We track threat actor activity, emerging vulnerabilities, and incidents affecting peer organisations. Integration support for existing security operations included.

Regulatory Compliance Support

Guidance on meeting cybersecurity requirements under NIS2, ISPS Code, IMO guidelines, and national critical infrastructure regulations. We help produce audit-ready documentation suitable for port state control and regulatory discussions.

Regulatory Landscape

Port operators face an evolving set of cybersecurity requirements from maritime, critical infrastructure, and national security frameworks.

NIS2
NIS2 Directive

EU directive designating ports as essential entities with mandatory cybersecurity risk management and incident reporting obligations.

ISPS
ISPS Code

International Ship and Port Facility Security Code requiring port facility security assessments and plans, increasingly interpreted to include cyber risks.

IMO
IMO Maritime Security

IMO guidance on maritime cyber risk management applicable to port facilities interacting with vessels under ISM Code requirements.

EU
EU Regulation 2025/2434

Expanded EMSA role in maritime cybersecurity coordination, with implications for port operators across EU Member States.

Our Approach

We combine understanding of port operations with cybersecurity expertise to deliver security improvements that work within operational constraints.

1

Understand Operations

We begin by understanding your port's operational model, critical systems, integration points, and the specific threats relevant to your cargo types and geographic location.

2

Assess Current State

Structured assessment of security controls across OT and IT systems, covering network architecture, access management, monitoring, and incident response readiness.

3

Prioritise for Impact

Not all gaps carry equal risk. We help you prioritise improvements based on threat likelihood, operational impact, and the need to maintain 24/7 port operations.

4

Implement & Sustain

Support implementation during maintenance windows and validate effectiveness. We help build sustainable security capabilities that evolve with your operations.

Secure Your Port Operations

Discuss your port and terminal security requirements with our specialist team.