Cyber attacks against African maritime infrastructure threaten the continent's recovery from COVID-19 and its long-term development and security aspirations. According to maritime cyber defence company Naval Dome, 310 incidents affecting maritime industries were recorded worldwide in 2019, a huge jump from 120 in 2018 and 50 in 2017. No data is available yet for this year, but the figure is expected to reach 500 incidents in 2020.
The spectre of attacks that might disrupt and disable critical maritime infrastructure exists against a backdrop of rapid digitalisation as ports and shipping companies increasingly rely on new information and communication technologies. While this improves efficiency, it also exposes them to cyber threats.
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