Maritime expert explains how ships can be hacked via GPS targeting

Maritime navigation expert Saleh Hijazi has explained the mechanisms by which ships and their communication and navigation systems can be hacked, noting that targeting GPS devices may result in vessels receiving incorrect coordinates and location information.

Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya FM, Hijazi said that modern ships are equipped with a wide array of communication and navigation equipment, including satellite and terrestrial communication devices, GPS and identification systems, as well as electronic navigation systems.

He explained that in some cases, hacking may begin through external devices or media introduced to the ship’s systems, such as storage units containing malicious software, before attempting to access operating and control systems. This could include control over machinery, vessel movement, and cargo operations.

Hijazi pointed out that one possible method involves targeting the GPS device to provide inaccurate locations to the ship, followed by attempts to access identification systems containing key data about the vessel, such as its unique identification number and related information.

He added that the widespread availability of ship data—including contact details, specifications, ports, agents, and associated companies—makes protecting these systems a significant challenge, noting that access to some basic information about ships is not confidential.

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Regarding protective measures, Hijazi stressed that the International Maritime Organization has issued guidelines and procedures to enhance cybersecurity on board ships. These include separating communication systems from those responsible for ship operations, in addition to security protocols that crews must follow to reduce the risk of hacking.