Cyber attacks against the global shipping industry are rising sharply, with Nigerian criminal gangs and hostile states among the perpetrators, reports BBC News.

Henry Clack, a solicitor at London-based law firm HFW, said Nigerian organised crime groups are frequently behind high-value "man-in-the-middle" frauds. These involve hackers intercepting communications and impersonating both parties to steal data or seize control of systems.

Criminals often demand payment to relinquish control or return stolen information. HFW reports that the average cost of dealing with an attack doubled to US$550,000 between 2022 and 2023, while ransom payments now average $3.2 million.

Around 80 per cent of global trade is carried by sea, making the maritime sector a prime target. John Stawpert of the International Chamber of Shipping said the industry ranks among the top 10 targets for cyber criminals worldwide.

Research by NHL Stenden University in the Netherlands found shipping cyber attacks rose from 10 in 2021 to at least 64 last year. Some incidents were linked to Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, with attacks aimed at disrupting supply chains or extorting money.

Increased digital connectivity, including satellite services like Starlink, has made ships more vulnerable. Piecemeal digitisation and ageing fleets further complicate cyber defence, with many vessels using outdated systems.

GPS jamming and spoofing are growing threats. In May, the MSC Antonia ran aground in the Red Sea after a suspected spoofing attack. Similar incidents in the Baltic Sea have been blamed on Russia.

Ports and ship sensors are also being targeted. Emission-monitoring devices can transmit data that hackers exploit. Anti-jam technology exists but is costly.

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) added cyber security rules to its safety code in 2021, requiring ship management systems to include robust cyber risk measures. Tom Walters of HFW said these provisions mandate both technical and operational safeguards.

Mr Stawpert said awareness of cyber threats has grown significantly in recent years. He believes the industry is better prepared than it was six years ago.

Mr Clack said negotiations with criminal gangs are typically brief and conducted via online messaging, usually during ransomware cases.