Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Maritime Transport Systems: A System-Oriented Review and Cyber-Physical Vulnerability Framework

Abstract

: The digital transformation of maritime transport has created a highly interconnected cyber-physical environment in which navigation, communication, propulsion, cargo handling, port operations and shore-based services increasingly depend on software, network connectivity and continuous data exchange. This paper presents a structured review and system-oriented synthesis of cybersecurity vulnerabilities affecting contemporary maritime transport. Based on the reviewed literature, a five-class taxonomy is proposed comprising communication and positioning vulnerabilities, software and configuration vulnerabilities, network and architectural vulnerabilities, human and organisational vulnerabilities, and supply-chain and third-party vulnerabilities. The study further introduces a cyber-physical vulnerability chain linking a technical weakness with an attack vector, compromised maritime function, operational effect and potential safety or business consequence. The analysis indicates that system interdependency and propagation of untrusted