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Master’s degree · Bridge and navigation

Master's in Maritime Cybersecurity

This master's programme gives you specialised tools and knowledge to protect critical maritime infrastructure and operations. You will work on risk analysis, network architecture, standards and incident response, with exercises covering ships, ports and administration.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's degree gives you specialised tools and knowledge to protect critical maritime infrastructure and operations against cyber threats. You will learn to detect vulnerabilities, apply defence in depth and respond to incidents in the global maritime environment.

The programme ranges from the protection of ICS/OT systems on board ships to the security of ports and offshore facilities, and includes compliance with international regulations and analysis of trends in maritime cyberattacks. What sets it apart: a practical approach with simulations and incident-response exercises, and coverage running from supply-chain security to data protection in the cloud.

Programme highlights

  • Proactive defence: anticipate and neutralise cyberattacks specific to the maritime sector.
  • Regulation and compliance: command of standards such as the IMO guidelines and ISO 27001, to avoid penalties.
  • Real-time simulations: practice in controlled environments that replicate real scenarios.
  • Comprehensive protection: keeping ships, ports and critical infrastructure operational.
  • Professional development: position yourself as a reference in protecting the digital maritime environment.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Maritime Cybersecurity136 h
Threat landscape in the sector. IT and OT systems on board and in port. IMO guidelines MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3. Real cases of maritime cyberattacks. Principles of confidentiality, integrity and availability. Threat actors. The ship's attack surface. IT/OT convergence. Economic impact of incidents. The NIST framework.
02Ship Systems Architecture136 h
Integrated bridge, ECDIS, AIS and GNSS. Engine and cargo control systems. Satellite communications. Crew and passenger networks. Map of critical assets. Shipboard data networks. Ballast and fuel management. Third-party equipment and remote maintenance. Onboard IoT devices. Software and firmware inventory.
03Risk Analysis and Management136 h
Identification of assets and threats. Risk assessment methodologies. Vulnerability management. Integration into the safety management system (ISM Code). Risk treatment plan. Risk matrices. Business impact analysis. Penetration testing. Supplier assessment. Periodic risk review.
04Regulations and Standards136 h
IACS UR E26 and E27 requirements. ISO/IEC 27001 applied to the sector. The NIS2 Directive and ports. The ISPS Code and port cybersecurity. Audits and certifications. BIMCO guidelines. The IEC 62443 standard. The European Cyber Resilience Act. Classification society requirements. Incident notification.
05Network and OT Systems Security136 h
Network segmentation and firewalls. Protection of industrial systems. Management of remote access and maintenance. Updates and patching. Monitoring and intrusion detection. Secure network architecture. USB device control. System hardening. Encryption of communications. Identity management.
06Threats to Navigation136 h
GNSS spoofing and jamming. Manipulation of AIS and ECDIS. Ransomware in shipping companies and ports. Social engineering and phishing aimed at crews. Insider threats. Attacks on cargo systems. Threats to ports and terminals. Supply-chain attacks. Malware in OT systems. Threat intelligence.
07Incident Response and Continuity136 h
Incident response plans. Basic forensic analysis. Recovery and backups. Continuity of operations. Communication with authorities. CSIRT response teams. Handling of digital evidence. Lessons learned. Tabletop exercises. Crisis communication.
08Cybersecurity Culture and Training136 h
Crew awareness. Drills and exercises. Cybersecurity governance in the shipping company. Supplier management. Maturity indicators. Role-based training on board. Simulated phishing campaigns. Acceptable use policies. The role of the company cybersecurity officer. Continuous improvement.
09Port and Maritime Logistics Chain Cybersecurity136 h
Port community systems. Cybersecurity of container terminals. Crane control and automation. Maritime single window. Secure data exchange with customs. Attacks on the global logistics chain. Cooperation between ports and national CERTs. NIS2 in the port sector. Critical infrastructure protection plans. Case study of a port incident.
10Security of Communications, Satellite Navigation and Autonomous Ships136 h
Security of VSAT and LEO communications. Protection of GNSS and backup systems. Authentication of AIS messages. Security of ECDIS and electronic charts. Cybersecurity of autonomous ships. Remote control centres. Artificial intelligence in threat detection. Cryptography in maritime communications. Navigation resilience testing. Future trends.
11Master's Final Project: Cybersecurity Plan for a Ship or Port Terminal136 h
Choice of topic, definition of the problem, objectives and scope. Review of the state of the art and the regulatory framework. Formulation of objectives and hypotheses. Methodology, resources and planning. Technical development and analysis of results. Conclusions, feasibility and future lines of work. Writing of the report and defence before an examination panel.

Duration and format

1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.

What you will learn

  • Protect critical maritime infrastructure.
  • Manage cybersecurity incidents in maritime environments.
  • Assess and mitigate cyber risks specific to the maritime sector.
  • Design and implement resilient security architectures for ships and port facilities.
  • Comply with national and international maritime cybersecurity regulations.
  • Lead the response to maritime cyber crises and ensure operational continuity.

Career outcomes

  • Maritime cybersecurity analyst: protecting systems and networks on board and ashore.
  • Maritime cybersecurity consultant: advising companies on risks and solutions.
  • Ship security officer (SSO): applying security measures and responding to cyber incidents.
  • Maritime cyber risk manager: identifying and assessing risks to maritime security.
  • Maritime cybersecurity auditor: assessing conformity with standards and regulations.
  • Maritime cyber incident investigator: forensic analysis to determine causes and responsibilities.
  • Secure software developer for the maritime sector: building systems resistant to cyberattacks.
  • Cybersecurity specialist for ports and coastal facilities: protecting critical port infrastructure.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in computer science, engineering, telecommunications or similar, or demonstrable experience in cybersecurity or in the maritime sector.
  • Technical knowledge: basic notions of networks, operating systems and information security. Some familiarity with maritime environments is valued.
  • Documents: up-to-date CV, copy of degree certificate, identity document or passport and a motivation letter.
  • Technical requirements for online study: a computer with camera and microphone, a high-speed internet connection and up-to-date software.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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