The South China Sea, a vital maritime hub that accounts for 24% of global maritime trade and facilitates about $7 trillion in global trade annually, is increasingly susceptible to a hidden but powerful threat: cyberattacks. As the maritime sector becomes increasingly reliant on digital technologies for navigation, port operations and logistics management, cyber threats pose a growing risk to the region’s stability and security. Cyberattacks could disrupt critical maritime operations, cripple port operations and exacerbate military tensions, further destabilizing a region already burdened by territorial disputes. If left unaddressed, these vulnerabilities could escalate into economic disruption and even conflict, with repercussions felt worldwide.

The Growing Cyber Conflict in the South China Sea

Maritime operations, once grounded in traditional methods, have embraced advanced digital technologies to streamline processes and boost efficiency. However, this digital revolution has opened the door to cyber vulnerabilities, with the South China Sea being at the center of the storm. The region, with its bustling shipping lanes, faces growing cyber threats capable of disrupting maritime operations, corrupting navigational data, and undermining the trust in systems that countries, companies, and individuals rely on, paralyzing both commercial and military operations.

Cyberattacks on maritime infrastructure are no longer hypothetical. The recent ransomware attacks on shipping companies, such as Singapore’s Vallianz, and breaches targeting port systems underscore the scale of the threat. A successful cyberattack could paralyze ship movement, leading to widespread disruptions in global supply chains. Compromised navigation systems, like GPS and AIS (Automatic Identification System), could cause vessels to veer off course, increasing the risk of collisions, piracy, or territorial incursions. Vulnerabilities are compounded by outdated technology, low cybersecurity awareness, increased connectivity through emerging technologies like low Earth orbit satellites, and a lack of information-sharing about cyber incidents.

According to Inmarsat, between May 2020 and May 2021, cyberattacks on maritime systems in the Asia-Pacific region surged by 168%, and are continuing to grow, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity. Additionally, Lloyd’s of London estimates that a large-scale cyberattack on Asia-Pacific ports could result in $110 billion in losses, underscoring the severe economic stakes.

China’s Role in Maritime Cyber Escalation

China’s growing influence in the South China Sea, underpinned by investments in surveillance, AI, and cyber capabilities, has raised concerns about the weaponization of these technologies in regional cyber conflicts. By combining cyberattacks with traditional military maneuvers, China is asserting control over contested territories while undermining the maritime capabilities of rival countries. State-sponsored cyber espionage targeting regional governments and critical maritime infrastructure further escalates tensions and complicates diplomatic relations.

Recent incidents illustrate how China leverages cyber tactics to destabilize maritime operations and disrupt global trade without direct military engagement. GPS jamming to obscure maritime activities, AIS spoofing to deceive vessels and monitoring systems, subsea cable sabotage off Taiwan‘s coast involving identity tampering, and the targeting of satellite systems to disrupt communication channels -these actions are part of China’s “gray-zone” strategy, which seeks to achieve strategic goals while avoiding overt military conflict. These cyber tactics, combined with existing geopolitical tensions, create a volatile environment where misinterpretations of cyber incidents—such as GPS disruptions or AIS manipulation—could easily escalate into military confrontation, further destabilizing the region.

Given the growing scope of these cyber threats, it is essential to examine the current measures being taken to secure the region’s maritime infrastructure, while also acknowledging the gaps that still leave it vulnerable.

Current Efforts to Address Cyber Threats in the Region

Southeast Asian countries have implemented various cybersecurity measures to combat the rising cyber threats, including technological defenses and legal frameworks. Singapore has developed a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure, and Thailand passed its Cybersecurity Act in 2019. At the regional level, ASEAN has focused on enhancing cybersecurity cooperation, with its ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy prioritizing trust-building, policy coordination, and international collaboration.

Despite these efforts, the South China Sea remains particularly vulnerable due to the lack of coordinated frameworks and insufficient investments in securing the maritime cybersecurity landscape. Existing efforts like the IMO’s Resolution MSC 428(98), offer general recommendations but fail to provide binding international standards for maritime cybersecurity. ASEAN’s initiatives, including the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the ASEAN Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base, have made significant progress. However, challenges like varying cybersecurity capabilities, political sensitivities, and limited engagement from some countries hinder the formation of a unified regional approach.

The scale and sophistication of cyberattacks, coupled with the rapid growth of technology, make these efforts seem like a step behind. While individual countries and organizations are making strides in improving maritime cybersecurity, the current state of the region’s infrastructure is inadequate to deal with the growing threat. There is a critical need for greater cooperation and stronger governance mechanisms to prevent a catastrophic breach that could disrupt maritime security on a global scale.

Charting a Path Forward: Addressing Cybersecurity in the South China Sea

The growing integration of digital technologies in the maritime domain has exposed the region to critical vulnerabilities. Addressing these cyber threats requires a combination of the following steps:

• Strengthen Regional Cooperation: Southeast Asian nations need to amalgamate their efforts and embrace a collective approach to cybersecurity. This includes fostering collaboration through joint maritime exercises, establishing regional task forces focused on maritime-specific cyber threat intelligence, and creating mechanisms for sharing information about cyber incidents. ASEAN should also establish dedicated maritime cybersecurity centers to integrate threat intelligence and facilitate real-time responses.
• Enhancing Inter-Regional Cooperation: Building and strengthening partnerships with regions and nations outside Southeast Asia is essential for addressing shared challenges, exchanging knowledge, and collaborating on solutions. Critical insights could be gained not only from the United States and Australia but also from countries like Israel and Ukraine, which have extensive experience in managing complex cyber threats and safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure.
• Investing in Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Innovation: Countries must modernize maritime systems and invest in advanced technologies. This involves co-investing in R&D initiatives focusing on advanced cybersecurity technologies, such as AI-powered intrusion detection systems, as well as strengthening infrastructure for ports, vessels, and maritime communication networks. AI and machine learning, for example, could be leveraged to predict and counter cyber threats in real-time, making maritime cybersecurity more proactive.
• Engaging the Private Sector and Academia: Public-private partnerships are essential for addressing the complex cybersecurity challenges in the maritime domain. Governments, maritime organizations, and technology companies should collaborate closely to drive innovation and develop cybersecurity solutions. Universities and research institutions also play a key role in creating new technologies and training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
• Cyber Training for Senior Decision Makers: It is crucial for senior leaders to receive specialized cyber training, as they play a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies that directly influence national security and economic stability. As cyber threats to critical infrastructure, such as shipping lanes and port systems, become more sophisticated, it is essential for decision-makers to understand the risks, impacts, and necessary responses.
• Promoting International Norms and Agreements: Establishing rules for responsible behavior in cyberspace, particularly in the maritime domain, can reduce the risk of conflicts and enhance stability. International agreements should outline acceptable norms for cyberspace and create mechanisms for responding to violations, thus reducing the chances of cyber incidents escalating into larger conflicts.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The urgency of the cyber threat in the South China Sea cannot be overstated. With the region serving as a global maritime hub, the potential disruptions from cyberattacks are not only regional but global in scope. To mitigate these risks and ensure the region’s stability, coordinated efforts are required. Southeast Asian nations must strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks, enhance cooperation with international partners, invest in training and infrastructure, and promote innovation. These actions will fortify the region against potential cyber threats and safeguard the critical maritime corridors that underpin global trade. The time to act is now—before the region becomes further vulnerable to the escalating cyber threat.

Ilona Drozdov is a SIGNAL Group Fellow and Maritime Security and International Relations Expert. The views presented here solely represent those of the author.