A study by Pen Test Partners shows that shipping vessels across the globe are often vulnerable to cyberattacks, with one of the most common issues being the presence of vulnerable “mystery boxes” that are unknown to most of the crew members and understood by no one. The researchers found at least one such device in every vessel they ever tested.
Andrew Tierney of Pen Test Partners said that while some mystery boxes may be benign, they could also “be considered a malicious implant,” adding that this is “business as usual” in maritime cybersecurity.
Read more: On-Board ‘Mystery Boxes’ Threaten Global Shipping Vessels