When a vessel goes into lay-up, the primary focus is often on cost control — reducing crew, shutting down machinery, and safeguarding the asset from physical risks like corrosion, weather damage, or theft. But there’s another threat that doesn’t go away just because a ship is inactive: cyber risk.
Many owners assume a laid-up ship is ‘offline’ and therefore immune to cyber attacks. In reality, vessels in lay-up can become soft targets because oversight is reduced, remote connections are left unmonitored, and basic cyber hygiene slips when technical resources are scaled back.
The Illusion of “Going Dark”
Modern vessels are not islands — even when idle. Operators may leave certain systems running for practical reasons:
- Condition monitoring to protect machinery warranties.
- Remote surveillance for security or insurance requirements.
- Data links to headquarters for periodic status reports.
This means there is often at least some digital ‘doorway’ still open to the vessel — and cyber attackers thrive on these overlooked backdoors.
Overlooked Vulnerabilities During Lay-Up
1. Unsecured Remote Access Channels
Most fleets use remote monitoring or shore-based management tools. But in a lay-up, these connections can become stale: old VPNs with outdated encryption, remote desktop software that hasn’t been patched, or modems left powered but unprotected.
A common scenario: the crew leaves a link open so managers can check tank levels or bilge alarms. Without robust access controls, that same link could give hackers a way into the vessel’s broader IT network.
2. Dormant but Active User Accounts
When crew sizes shrink for lay-up, IT housekeeping often lags behind. User accounts for engineers, contractors, or vendors sometimes remain active. If these accounts have weak or default passwords, they are easy targets for brute-force attacks.
Insider threats can be an issue too. Disgruntled former crew with leftover credentials can exploit the fact that no one is actively monitoring login logs on an inactive vessel.
3. Lapsed System Updates and Patching
A vessel’s firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems rely on frequent updates to remain effective. In lay-up, technical teams may put updates on hold to save costs — but attackers don’t stop developing new exploits. This gap can leave vessels exposed for months.
Additionally, outdated operating systems on navigation or engine monitoring equipment can harbor known vulnerabilities that hackers already have tools to exploit.
4. Overlooked Portable Media Risks
Even when a vessel is inactive, lay-up crews may rely on USB drives or personal laptops for routine checks or maintenance tasks. If these devices pick up malware — for example, from an infected internet cafe or home network — they can introduce it to the vessel’s system, which might not have active monitoring in place to detect it.
The Cost of a Breach During Lay-Up
Unlike an active ship, a laid-up vessel may not detect an intrusion until the worst damage is done. Here’s how a single overlooked vulnerability can escalate:
- Hidden malware: Attackers may plant dormant malware that activates when the vessel returns to service — spreading ransomware, exfiltrating data, or causing system failures at sea.
- Ransomware delays: Discovering an attack during reactivation can delay a time-sensitive charter, resulting in lost income and reputational damage.
- Regulatory penalties: Data breaches can expose sensitive crew or client data, triggering compliance fines under laws like GDPR.
- Fleet-wide risks: If a single infected vessel reconnects to shore systems, it can compromise the wider fleet or company network.
Practical Steps: How to Build Cyber Resilience Into Lay-Up
Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment Before Lay-Up
Before sending the vessel into lay-up, identify all systems that will remain live. Map out remote access points, onboard networks, and any third-party connections. Close or isolate any that are non-essential.
Harden Remote Monitoring Channels
If you must maintain remote monitoring, ensure secure VPNs with multi-factor authentication. Review encryption standards and disable legacy protocols that are no longer secure. Use intrusion detection tools that can send alerts to shore teams.
Keep Security Software Updated
Schedule patching and updates for any systems that stay online. If onboard crew cannot handle this, arrange remote IT support or clear guidance for the skeleton team.
Review and Disable Redundant User Accounts
Deactivate all unnecessary user accounts. Apply strong password policies for those that remain. Keep an access log and review it periodically — even during lay-up.
Secure Portable Devices
Implement strict policies for USB drives, laptops, and other portable media. Where possible, prohibit the use of non-vetted devices onboard. If portable devices must be used, ensure they’re scanned regularly and use endpoint protection.
Include Cybersecurity in Your Reactivation Checklist
When the time comes to reactivate, run a full scan of onboard systems. Update all security tools. Confirm that no dormant threats have been left behind. This step is as important as inspecting the hull or machinery.
Final Takeaway: Inactivity Is Not Immunity
A lay-up is about safeguarding an asset — but that must include its digital integrity. Cyber attackers look for the path of least resistance, and a vessel with neglected IT protections is exactly that.
Operators who treat cybersecurity as an essential part of lay-up planning can prevent costly breaches, operational delays, and reputational harm when their ships come back online.
Remember: a ship that “goes dark” physically is still on the radar for those who know where to look.