In maritime cyber warfare, what are common cyber-attack vectors against shipboard systems?

• A. Targeting navigation, combat systems, and data systems; phishing, malware, supply-chain compromises.
• B. Physical tampering with hull sensors.
• C. Jamming radio signals only.
• D. Only hardware failures due to age.

Answer: (B)

The question tests how cyber attackers typically reach shipboard systems, which is through digital means that bypass physical defense and exploit software, networks, and human factors. The common vectors are social engineering to gain access credentials (phishing), malware that infiltrates onboard computers, and supply-chain compromises where tainted software or firmware is introduced before it reaches the vessel. Once inside, attackers can impact navigation, combat, and data systems, potentially altering information or gaining deeper access.

Physical tampering with hull sensors is a physical security issue rather than a cyber entry point; it involves directly altering hardware rather than exploiting software or network pathways. Jamming radio signals is electronic warfare focused on disrupting communications, not modern cyber intrusions into shipboard networks. Hardware failures due to age are reliability problems, not cyber events. So the description that aligns with cyber-attack vectors—phishing, malware, and supply-chain compromises affecting ship systems—captures the true nature of cyber threats at sea.