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The time has come to take hacking seriously—and to actively engage the hacker community—as a critical step toward a more secure maritime environment. Those in the maritime industry understand how vital the Maritime Transportation System (MTS) is to global economies. In the U.S. alone, the MTS contributes $5.4 trillion to the economy, accounting for roughly 25% of the nation’s GDP and supporting 30 million jobs. Globally, nearly 80% of trade and almost two-thirds of petroleum and liquid energy supplies are transported by sea. In fact, around 90% of a country’s imports and exports rely on maritime shipping.

At the same time, maritime stakeholders recognize that the seas serve not just as trade routes but also as strategic assets for nations. Global supply chains are leveraged as tools of influence, while naval forces project hard power. This intricate interplay has created a complex, quasi-legal framework that shapes maritime operations.

From a cybersecurity perspective, the MTS presents a vast attack surface, often poorly understood and increasingly vulnerable. The rise of autonomous, smart, and sustainable shipping has accelerated digital transformation, introducing numerous cyber threats. Maritime systems, including ship-to-shore communications, satellite navigation, GPS, AIS, and cloud services, are prime targets for cyberattacks. As vessels connect to the internet and integrate new technologies, security risks continue to grow.

Introducing DEF CON and the Maritime Hacking Village (MHV)

The Maritime Hacking Village (MHV) will make its debut at DEF CON 33 this August, delivering the first immersive maritime hacking experience. DEF CON, the world’s leading hacker conference held annually in Las Vegas, attracts security experts, white-hat hackers, policymakers, educators, military personnel, and researchers interested in testing vulnerabilities across all industries. MHV’s mission is clear: to bring together maritime and security professionals to navigate the evolving digital threat landscape, identify systemic vulnerabilities, and strengthen cybersecurity across maritime defense and trade.

Waiting for cyber threats to emerge isn’t enough—we must proactively uncover and mitigate them. MHV exists to drive knowledge sharing, shape industry standards, inform cybersecurity policies, and foster a trusted community of cybersecurity professionals.

Breaking Barriers in Maritime Cybersecurity

Despite the maritime sector’s critical role in commerce, recreation, and national security, no single entity oversees its cybersecurity regulations. Maritime systems remain inherently insecure, and access barriers prevent security professionals from addressing these vulnerabilities. The goal of MHV is to remove these barriers by providing an open platform for research, collaboration, and innovation.

At MHV, elite hackers, security providers, and emerging talent will engage in hands-on exercises to attack and defend real-world maritime systems. Industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to collaborate with cybersecurity experts in a neutral setting, gaining insights, tools, and connections necessary to enhance security. We believe that fostering this collaboration will create waves of innovation and awareness, ultimately strengthening the entire maritime sector.

What to Expect at the Maritime Hacking Village

MHV’s demo floor will feature cutting-edge maritime systems, offering attendees the chance to test their hacking skills. Key activities will include:

• Capture-the-Flag (CTF) Competitions featuring challenges related to maritime bridge testbeds, real-world radio communications (AIS, SATCOM), port systems security, and maritime social engineering.

• Workshops and Panels discussing cybersecurity regulations, emerging maritime technologies, OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) applications, and autonomous system vulnerabilities.

• A Policy Suite where invited policymakers will collaborate on regulatory strategies that merge technical, systemic, and governance considerations to create a more secure maritime future.

Join the Maritime Hacking Village

Planning for MHV has been underway for months, and we continue to seek sponsors, equipment providers, maritime operators, and speakers. We invite the maritime community to actively engage with us in this initiative. Join us in Las Vegas and be part of shaping the future of maritime cybersecurity.

About the Founders:

• Gary C. Kessler – President of Gary Kessler Associates, Principal Consultant at Fathom5, and Advisory Board Member at Cydome.

• Nina Kollars – Professor at the U.S. Naval War College.

• Duncan Woodbury – President and CEO of Liberas.

Together, they co-founded and direct the Maritime Hacking Village to drive cybersecurity innovation and awareness within the maritime industry.

Moving The Sea With Us!

Contact us today: +351 265 544 370 or go to Contacts Page

Email:  sales@partyard.eu

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