Understanding cyber-risks in complex next-generation maritime technologies: Autonomy and offshore wind energy operations

When developing maritime technology, each new technology is often developed and assessed separately. However, it is likely with the convergence of systems, and greater interconnectivity between systems in the sector, that new technologies will be inter-connected digitally or operationally. Understanding the cyber risks of the larger systems of systems is important. This paper looks at the potential cyber-physical risk of future autonomy and offshore renewable energy solutions co-existing together. A threat scenario is presented using real cyber-vulnerabilities in autonomy and offshore wind systems. This paper discusses potential overall vulnerabilities when combining these two emerging technologies. It concludes with suggested mitigations ranging from technical (e.g., secure communication channels) through policy (e.g., new standards for secure devices on the market) to social (e.g., cybersecurity training for remote operators). This type of multi-solution scenario can be a useful tool for analysing risks in complex circumstances and can be applied to other sectors with multiple emerging technologies.