A major cyberattack has disrupted multiple shipping companies across Europe, with Viking Line being a notable target. The assault, believed to be a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, commenced on Thursday, causing widespread website outages.
Viking Line’s Senior Vice President, Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, acknowledged the impact on major shipping companies across Europe, revealing that their IT department is working to resolve the issue. The shipping industry is increasingly becoming a target for cybercriminals, with a report citing a 350% rise in ransom demands and highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Viking Line, established in 1959, primarily operates cruise, cargo, and passenger services in the Baltic Sea region, with a fleet of over 50 vessels and more than 2,000 employees. Despite improvements in maritime cybersecurity, the industry remains susceptible to cyberattacks, as technology becomes more prevalent across shipping operations. The cyberattack not only disrupted the companies’ online presence but also highlights the vulnerability of various sectors to cybersecurity threats. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is paramount, as this incident underscores the urgency of safeguarding industries from cyberattacks.
References:
