Maritime Cyber Defence and Digital Resilience Masterclass

The programme

Programme overview

As digital transformation accelerates across the maritime sector, safeguarding vessels, ports, and shipping operations against sophisticated cyber threats has become a non-negotiable priority. The Maritime Cyber Defence & Digital Resilience Masterclass is an advanced, industry-driven programme meticulously designed to equip maritime IT professionals, vessel operators, port security managers, shipping executives, and compliance leaders with actionable expertise to secure digital operations, vessel control systems, and sensitive maritime data from today’s escalating cyber risks.

Through a blend of interactive sessions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the unique cyber threat landscape facing the shipping industry. The curriculum covers end-to-end maritime cyber risk assessment, implementation of robust security controls, regulatory compliance (including IMO 2021 requirements), OT/IT convergence, and the development of resilient incident response frameworks. The course also explores future challenges, such as autonomous vessels and emerging digital technologies, ensuring participants are well-positioned to navigate the next wave of maritime innovation safely.

This 10-day Maritime Cyber Defence and Digital Resilience Masterclass moves beyond basic IT security, providing a holistic, sector-specific approach to maritime cyber resilience. You will master strategies for protecting vessel operational technology, ensuring data privacy compliance, securing supply chains, and cultivating a cybersecurity-aware workforce—empowering your organization to lead with confidence in an increasingly digital maritime landscape.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Maritime IT Managers & Professionals
• Ship and Shore-Based Operations Personnel
• Vessel Masters & Bridge Officers
• Port and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs)
• Shipping Company Executives & Owners
• Maritime Compliance, Risk & Legal Professionals
• Marine Engineers & Technicians

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

By the end of this Maritime Cyber Defence and Digital Resilience Masterclass, participants will be able to:

• Analyze and respond to evolving cyber threats and vulnerabilities unique to the maritime industry.
• Conduct comprehensive maritime cyber risk assessments for both vessels and shore-based facilities.
• Implement and manage robust operational technology (OT) cybersecurity controls on board ships.
• Deploy advanced technical, physical, and administrative controls for vessel and port security.
• Protect navigation, propulsion, and communication systems against targeted cyberattacks.
• Ensure organizational compliance with international maritime cybersecurity standards (IMO, NIST, BIMCO, etc.).
• Develop and test incident response plans tailored to maritime environments.
• Embed data protection and privacy best practices in daily shipping operations.
• Secure the maritime supply chain and manage third-party cyber risks.
• Manage the integration and risks of converged IT/OT environments.
• Foster a cybersecurity-aware culture and enhance human reliability.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of maritime cyber resilience frameworks.

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

• The Maritime Cyber Threat Landscape
• Mapping unique attack surfaces of vessels and ports
• Key cyber threats: ransomware, malware, phishing, insider attacks
• Consequences: safety, operational, financial, and reputational impact
• The IT/OT convergence challenge
• Case studies: recent real-world maritime cyber incidents
• Maritime Cyber Risk Assessment & Governance
• Step-by-step methodologies (NIST, IMO, ISO)
• Identifying critical maritime assets and vulnerabilities
• Building a dynamic cyber risk register and defining risk appetite
• Integrating cybersecurity into Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Establishing governance and accountability
• Operational Technology (OT) Security for Vessels
• OT landscape: ECDIS, GMDSS, propulsion, cargo, and more
• Overcoming challenges with legacy systems and proprietary tech
• Network segmentation and secure OT architectures
• OT patching, vulnerability management, and ICS security
• Case-based OT breach response
• Cybersecurity Controls & Countermeasures
• Firewalls, IDS/IPS, and advanced endpoint protection
• Access management for shipboard and shore systems
• Data encryption, secure protocols, and remote access
• Physical and environmental security considerations
• Navigation & Communication System Protection
• Securing ECDIS, GNSS, AIS, and SatComs
• Vulnerabilities in bridge and navigation systems
• Protecting against spoofing, jamming, and cyber intrusion
• Best practices for secure bridge operations
• Maritime Cybersecurity Regulations & Guidelines
• Deep dive: IMO 2021, ISPS Code cyber modules, NIST, BIMCO, ICS, flag state and port state requirements
• National and regional regulatory trends
• Compliance strategies and audit readiness
• Incident Response & Digital Forensics
• Crafting a vessel-ready cyber incident response plan
• Building and training incident response teams (CIRT)
• Detection, containment, eradication, and recovery
• Digital forensics: evidence collection, investigation, and reporting
• Managing communications and stakeholder expectations in a crisis
• Data Protection & Privacy in Shipping
• Classification and protection of sensitive maritime data
• GDPR, POPIA, and global privacy frameworks in maritime context
• Data handling, retention, encryption, and anonymization
• Intellectual property and trade secret protection
• Securing the Maritime Supply Chain
• Third-party and vendor risk management
• Assessing and mitigating risks from logistics partners, software providers, and manufacturers
• Contractual cybersecurity clauses and supply chain collaboration
• IT/OT Convergence: Risks & Management
• Secure IT/OT integration strategies
• Policy development for converged environments
• Managing remote vendor access and support
• Holistic security architecture for integrated operations
• Human Factors & Cybersecurity Culture
• Understanding human error and insider risks
• Designing effective crew and staff cybersecurity training
• Simulated phishing and social engineering resilience
• Building a culture of cyber vigilance at sea and ashore
• Future Trends & Emerging Threats in Maritime Cybersecurity
• Autonomous vessels, remote operations, and new attack surfaces
• AI, machine learning, and quantum computing implications
• The role of blockchain and digital twins
• Keeping pace with evolving cyber threats
• Building & Sustaining Maritime Cyber Resilience
• Developing a continuous improvement and audit program
• Conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Industry benchmarking and sharing threat intelligence
• Insurance, risk transfer, and business continuity planning

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.