Revista Sextante

Cyber Threat Intelligence and National Security: Emerging Challenges for Maritime States

Rafael Castellanos-Nakamura

Centre for Maritime Security and Cyber Policy Studies Atlantic Institute of Strategic Affairs, Lisbon, Portugal

Keywords: cyber threat intelligence, national security, maritime states, critical infrastructure, cyber deterrence

Abstract

Maritime states depend on the sea for trade, energy, communication, food, and defense, and each of these functions is now mediated by digital systems that can be targeted by hostile actors. Cyber threat intelligence, the structured collection and analysis of information about adversary capabilities, intentions, and activities, has become a central instrument for protecting national security in this environment. This article presents an integrative conceptual review of the challenges that cyber threat intelligence poses and addresses for maritime states. It examines conceptual foundations, the maritime threat landscape, actors and attribution, intelligence collection and sharing, protection of ports and vessels, undersea cables and satellite and navigation systems, law and international cooperation, naval operations and deterrence, and capacity building. A conceptual graph compares estimated cyber exposure with defensive preparedness across maritime domains, suggesting that undersea infrastructure, navigation systems, offshore energy, and port operations show the widest gaps. The article concludes that maritime states need integrated, intelligence-driven, and cooperative approaches that connect civil and naval stakeholders, public and private owners, and national and allied institutions.