Maritime Transportation System (MTS)

Maritime Cybersecurity as a Contested Control System

Abstract:

As AI-enabled adversaries gain increasing capability to conduct gray-zone cyber operations, maritime cybersecurity is evolving into a contest for operational control, feedback integrity, and decision advantage across the U.S. Maritime Transportation System (MTS). Using a Design Science Research methodology, this study develops and evaluates the Maritime Transportation System–Functional Contested Control Framework (MTS-FCCF), extending the MTS-FCMM by integrating governance controls, cyber mission threads, and adversarial interaction into a unified STPA-SEC analytical structure. Scenario-based validation demonstrated improved identification of unsafe control actions, process-model mismatch, feedback deficiencies, and adversarial disruption pathways compared to conventional static cybersecurity approaches.

Published In

Volume 25, Issue 3

From Cyber Defense to Information Warfare: Technical Roadmapping Study and Gaps in Maritime Cybersecurity

Abstract:

Maritime Transportation Systems are considered critical infrastructure and systemic risk which can trigger cascade effects to impacting operations, the economy, and national security. Maritime cybersecurity systems currently face challenges, and a lack of structured frameworks to prioritize R&D investments and technological development. This study aims to systematically analyze maritime cybersecurity using a Technology Roadmapping (TRM) approach structured around the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), integrating a qualitative analysis of themes from the perspectives of people, technology, and governance across six functional areas. TRM facilitates the identification of drivers, capability gaps, technologies, and R&D priorities, to address these limitations. The findings highlight that maritime cybersecurity should be treated as a system-of-systems problem that requires the integration of IT, OT, and cyber-physical systems, as well as automation and real-time capabilities supported by human-Artificial Intelligence (AI) collaboration.

Published In

Volume 25, Issue 3

Journal of Information Warfare

The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.

Keywords

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AI
APT

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C2S
CDX
CIA
CIP
CPS

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DNS
DoD
DoS

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IA
ICS
ICT

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NEC
NSA
NSS

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PDA

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The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.

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