Image source : https://www.microsec.io/industries/maritime
After years of being seen as a laggard, today its well understood that the global maritime sector has embraced digitalization as a strategic imperative and as a result is undergoing a profound transformation. What was once an industry grounded in analog operations and legacy infrastructure is fast becoming a hyper-connected ecosystem. Of particular note, the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, once the domain of telecom operators, ports and pilot projects, are now deeply embedded in vessel navigation systems, container tracking platforms, engine diagnostics, and even crew welfare tools.
From engine performance monitoring and predictive maintenance to automated mooring systems and cargo integrity sensors, IoT is rapidly becoming the nervous system of modern maritime logistics. This digitization brings sweeping gains in efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. But it also opens up a vast and often poorly defended attack surface, one that malicious actors are increasingly eager to exploit.
The Growing Threat at Sea
Unlike traditional IT systems, Operational Technology (OT) on vessels wasn’t built with cybersecurity in mind. It was designed for reliability, not cyber-resilience. But as these systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks and cloud-based analytics platforms, the risk of compromise has become not just theoretical, but operationally significant.
A single breach can shut down ports, disable propulsion, compromise navigational integrity, or leak sensitive cargo data. In 2021, the maritime industry saw a 400% increase in reported cyber incidents, many linked to unpatched vulnerabilities in shipboard systems or insecure communications between vessels and shore.
Compounding the challenge, regulatory requirements are catching up. From July 2024, the International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) Unified Requirements E26 will require every newbuild to meet strict cybersecurity standards, with shipyards and OEMs scrambling to retrofit security into already complex supply chains.
MicroSec’s Built-for-Maritime Cyber Stack
Enter MicroSec, a Singapore-based cybersecurity company purpose-built for the era of maritime IoT. Founded in 2016, MicroSec is one of the few players globally focused exclusively on securing OT and IoT infrastructure; not just at the port, but aboard vessels, offshore platforms, and across the entire maritime value chain.
At the heart of its offering is an integrated cybersecurity suite that addresses both hardware-level vulnerabilities and network-layer threats:
- MicroProtect: An embedded security framework that enables cryptographic protection for even the smallest IoT devices, ensuring that data in motion and at rest remains tamper-proof.
- MicroIDS: The first automated cybersecurity assessor aligned to IACS UR E26 standards. It provides OEMs, shipbuilders, and operators with real-time threat detection and compliance reporting;drastically reducing the time and cost required to meet regulatory mandates.
- MicroMonitor: A centralized monitoring and visibility platform that maps all connected assets, flags anomalies, and helps stakeholders triage risks before they escalate.
Unlike traditional firewalls or endpoint solutions retrofitted from IT environments, MicroSec’s technology is lightweight, power-efficient, and engineered for the constraints of maritime environments: limited bandwidth, unstable power, and devices that may be decades old.
Leadership and Momentum
MicroSec was co-founded by Dr. Vishram Mishra, a cybersecurity expert with a Ph.D. in Wireless Communications from Nanyang Technological University and Magzhan Ikram, who has a background in applied mathematics and computer science. The founders’
backgrounds bridge academic rigor and industrial application, a combination that has helped MicroSec gain early traction in both the public and private sectors.
To date, the company is believed to have raised approximately USD 3.2 million from backers including SGInnovate and MassMutual Ventures. Clients include Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, Infineon Technologies, and Honeywell, an indication of both local trust and global relevance.
Why This Matters Now
As the maritime industry embraces digital transformation, it cannot afford to overlook the cyber risks that inevitably come with increased connectivity. Unlike other start-ups focused on monitoring dashboards or single-layer encryption, MicroSec delivers an end-to-end architecture for IoT deployments that is maritime-ready.
More importantly, it turns cybersecurity from an overhead cost into a competitive advantage. Operators using MicroSec can confidently integrate new digital systems, prove compliance, and assure clients their cargo and data are protected from berth to berth, offering not just protection, but peace of mind. This is critical for an industry sailing headfirst into automation, data intelligence, and real-time connectivity.
References:
https://www.microsec.io/industries/maritime
https://www.sginnovate.com/investments/microsec
https://www.iacs.org.uk/publications/unified-requirements
https://www.lr.org/en/insights/maritime
https://www.dnv.com/cybersecurity/maritime
Contributor : Dyah Ayuningtyas
Reviewer : Imam Buchari, David Ratner
Scorpa's Tech @ Sea 
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