Revista Sextante

Cybersecurity Challenges in Modern Naval Defense Systems: Threat Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

Lars E. Hendriksen

Department of Cyber Defence and Maritime Security, Oresund Institute for Naval Technology, Copenhagen, Denmark

Keywords: naval cybersecurity, threat assessment, maritime cyber risk, defence in depth, operational resilience

Abstract

Modern warships, submarines, naval aircraft, and their supporting shore facilities depend on interconnected digital systems for navigation, communications, propulsion control, sensing, logistics, and command. This dependence delivers major operational benefits but also exposes naval forces to cyber threats from states, criminal groups, and insiders. This article examines cybersecurity challenges in modern naval defence systems and evaluates approaches to threat assessment and mitigation. It describes the digital architecture of contemporary naval platforms, characterises the main threat actors and attack surfaces, reviews assessment methodologies, analyses vulnerabilities in navigation, communications, and control systems, and considers supply chain and shore infrastructure risks. It then discusses mitigation strategies built on defence in depth, segmentation, zero trust principles, monitoring, resilience, and training. The analysis indicates that no single control can secure naval systems, that long equipment lifecycles and complex supply chains create persistent exposure, and that human and organisational factors are as significant as technical safeguards. The article concludes with policy and operational recommendations that emphasise resilience, the ability to operate in degraded conditions, and continuous learning. The discussion stays at the level of strategy and defensive practice.