Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Naval Cyber Defense

This master's prepares you to defend naval platforms and critical maritime infrastructure against cyberattacks and electronic warfare. You will study the security of navigation, propulsion and control systems on warships and other naval units, the protection of satellite and tactical communications, intrusion detection, digital forensics and incident response, together with the IMO, NATO and international standards that govern naval cyber defense.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.

Your diagnosis
6of 6 to cover

You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.

About the program

What is the Master's in Naval Cyber Defense?

This master's prepares you to defend naval platforms and critical maritime infrastructure against cyberattacks and electronic warfare. You will learn to design secure architectures for navigation, propulsion and control systems, harden embedded and SCADA equipment, counter GNSS spoofing and jamming, protect satellite and tactical links with robust cryptography, and lead incident response and forensic investigations in hostile environments, preparing you for roles in navies, defense contractors, coast guards and companies that protect strategic maritime assets.

What sets this master's apart: a defense-oriented focus on military vessels, C4ISR and electronic warfare rather than commercial shipping alone; protocols specific to naval platforms, such as CAN bus and MIL-STD-1553; post-quantum and satellite cryptography applied to naval communications; red team and blue team exercises and cyberattack simulations; governance and audit frameworks that combine IMO, IACS, NATO, NIST and IEC 62443; and a Final Project in which you design an integrated cyber resilience and response architecture for a naval platform.

Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Defense focus: cyber protection of warships, naval bases and critical maritime infrastructure.
  • Navigation and communications: securing GNSS, ECDIS, AIS, radar and satellite links in hostile environments.
  • Naval platforms: hardening of SCADA, embedded systems, PLCs and military buses such as MIL-STD-1553.
  • Advanced cryptography: post-quantum algorithms, key management and HSMs for naval communications.
  • Cyber exercises: attack simulations, red team and blue team drills and naval digital forensics.
  • Final Project: an integrated cyber resilience and response architecture for a naval platform.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Naval Cyber Defense

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Protecting Navigation and Communication Systems in Hostile Maritime Environments

  • 1.1. Architecture and design of naval navigation systems and redundant configurations
  • 1.2. Advanced maritime communication protocols: VHF, HF, satellite and digital data links
  • 1.3. Cyber risk assessment and management in the naval domain and maritime SCADA systems
  • 1.4. Quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms for naval communication networks
  • 1.5. Intrusion detection and prevention systems for low-bandwidth, high-latency naval networks
  • 1.6. GNSS security: countermeasures against spoofing and jamming and integration with inertial systems
  • 1.7. Hardening ECDIS against cyber threats: firmware analysis and secure updates
  • 1.8. Simulation and modeling of cyberattack scenarios in hostile maritime environments
  • 1.9. International standards for naval cybersecurity: IMO, NIST and military standards
  • 1.10. Cyber contingency planning, digital forensics and electronic chain of custody
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Proactive Defense and Cyberattack Response in Critical Maritime Infrastructure

  • 2.1. Proactive defense of naval cyber-physical systems and threat models
  • 2.2. Vulnerability analysis of ICS/SCADA networks on board and ashore: Modbus, DNP3 and OPC UA
  • 2.3. IDS/IPS for maritime environments with latency and bandwidth constraints
  • 2.4. Network segmentation and microsegmentation of critical subsystems
  • 2.5. Honeypots and honeynets to attract and analyze attacks on naval platforms
  • 2.6. Incident handling, coordination with command centers and maritime CSIRTs
  • 2.7. Maritime cyber warfare exercises and targeted penetration testing
  • 2.8. Cryptography for satellite communications, VHF links and maritime signaling
  • 2.9. Continuous monitoring and digital forensics in critical maritime infrastructure
  • 2.10. Applying IMO, NIST and ISO/IEC 27001 in maritime operations
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Innovation in Cyber Defense for Navigation and Maritime Communications

  • 3.1. Cybersecurity fundamentals for naval systems: threats, vulnerabilities and attack vectors
  • 3.2. Secure design of navigation systems integrating GNSS, radar, INS and ECDIS
  • 3.3. Cryptography for maritime communications: symmetric and asymmetric encryption, keys and digital certificates
  • 3.4. Detection of and response to cyber incidents in hostile environments
  • 3.5. Defense in depth for navigation control systems: segmentation, firewalls and sandboxing
  • 3.6. Risk management and impact assessment in naval operations
  • 3.7. International naval cybersecurity standards: IMO and NATO frameworks
  • 3.8. Artificial intelligence for cyber self-defense and anomaly detection
  • 3.9. Secure maritime communication systems resistant to jamming and electromagnetic interference
  • 3.10. Coordinated cyberattack drills and operational resilience assessment
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Integrated Cyber Defense of Naval Platforms

  • 4.1. Challenges of cyber defense in naval environments and attack vectors
  • 4.2. Secure architectures for naval platforms: segmentation and DMZs for navigation and propulsion
  • 4.3. Hardening of embedded naval systems, RTOS and secure firmware updates
  • 4.4. Security policies for marine SCADA systems and privileged access control
  • 4.5. Advanced detection: IDS/IPS integrated with naval telemetry and behavior analytics (UEBA)
  • 4.6. Naval digital forensics tools and methods for navigation and propulsion systems
  • 4.7. Operational incident response: containment, eradication and recovery on naval platforms
  • 4.8. Applied cryptography and strong authentication: PKI, digital certificates and HSMs
  • 4.9. Security of naval communications: satellite links and tactical networks
  • 4.10. International maritime cybersecurity standards and IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Secure Architectures and Cyber Resilience in Warship Control Systems

  • 5.1. Principles of secure architectures: isolation and redundancy in naval environments
  • 5.2. Cyber resilience models: detection, response and recovery in naval control systems
  • 5.3. Protecting shipboard SCADA and DCS systems
  • 5.4. Naval communication protocols: securing CAN bus, MIL-STD-1553 and critical interconnections
  • 5.5. Hardware and firmware hardening for PLCs and embedded devices on warships
  • 5.6. Zero Trust policies on maritime platforms: multifactor authentication and continuous monitoring
  • 5.7. Simulating advanced persistent threats (APT) against navigation and weapon systems
  • 5.8. Tools and frameworks for incident management in sensitive maritime environments
  • 5.9. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for anomaly detection in naval control systems
  • 5.10. Recovery and operational continuity: failover, real-time backups and stress testing
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Protection, Response and Resilience for Navigation and Communications under Electronic Warfare

  • 6.1. Navigation and communication system architectures and cyber threat vectors
  • 6.2. Dynamic vulnerability assessment and sophisticated attack scenarios
  • 6.3. Cryptographic protection for NAVCOM communications: TLS, IPsec and quantum techniques
  • 6.4. Intrusion detection and mitigation and forensic analysis of naval data traffic
  • 6.5. Automated and manual response orchestration with AI-driven playbooks
  • 6.6. Redundant architectures to keep navigation and communications running during electronic warfare
  • 6.7. Electromagnetic interference and denial-of-service attacks on satellite and RF links
  • 6.8. IMO, NATO and national maritime cyber defense requirements
  • 6.9. Cyberattack simulation and defense exercises in naval training environments
  • 6.10. Post-incident forensic analysis of compromised navigation and control platforms
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Proactive Cyber Defense and Resilience of Critical Maritime Infrastructure

  • 7.1. Cybersecurity of critical maritime infrastructure: threats and naval context
  • 7.2. Threat and vulnerability models for SCADA, control centers and shipboard platforms
  • 7.3. Proactive defense strategies: early detection, behavior analytics and automated response
  • 7.4. IDS/IPS specialized for maritime and satellite networks
  • 7.5. Secure architecture for maritime industrial networks and next-generation firewalls
  • 7.6. Operational resilience and business continuity in hostile environments
  • 7.7. Applying IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82 in critical naval infrastructure
  • 7.8. Naval digital forensics after a cyberattack
  • 7.9. Red teams and blue teams in maritime environments
  • 7.10. Blockchain and cryptography for the integrity of logistics and critical communications
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Advanced Cryptography and Satellite Communications Security for Naval Operations

  • 8.1. Fundamentals of applied cryptography: algorithms, hash functions and digital authentication
  • 8.2. Cryptographic protocols for satellite communications: TLS/SSL, IPsec and VPNs
  • 8.3. Secure network architecture in naval satellite systems and distributed key management
  • 8.4. Quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum resistance
  • 8.5. Multifactor authentication on satellite terminals for naval defense
  • 8.6. Security of military satellite links: interference, signal encryption, denial of service and spoofing
  • 8.7. Resilience and continuity in satellite communication networks
  • 8.8. International standards for satellite communications security: STANAGs and NIST
  • 8.9. Tools and platforms for real-time cryptographic management and HSMs
  • 8.10. Case studies and simulations of attacks on naval satellite systems
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Advanced Protection, Forensic Detection and Operational Response in Critical Naval Systems

  • 9.1. Naval cybersecurity fundamentals for critical navigation and communication systems
  • 9.2. Encryption and authentication protocols in maritime networks: implementation and weaknesses
  • 9.3. Critical system architecture in hostile environments: resilience, redundancy and segmentation
  • 9.4. Proactive intrusion detection in SCADA and naval platform control systems
  • 9.5. Digital forensic methods for incidents in navigation and communication equipment
  • 9.6. Log and event correlation in ECDIS, AIS, radar and VHF to investigate attacks
  • 9.7. Response to cyber-physical incidents: multidisciplinary teams and interagency coordination
  • 9.8. APT simulation and resilience assessment of navigation and communication systems
  • 9.9. Cyber crisis management: secure communication, continuity and recovery
  • 9.10. International standards for protecting critical naval infrastructure: IMO, NIST and IEC 62443
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Naval Cybersecurity Regulation, Audit and Governance

  • 10.1. Cybersecurity regulations in defense
  • 10.2. National security frameworks
  • 10.3. NATO cyber defense requirements
  • 10.4. IMO and IACS guidelines
  • 10.5. Cyber risk management
  • 10.6. Security audits
  • 10.7. System certification
  • 10.8. Supplier management in defense
  • 10.9. Crew training and awareness
  • 10.10. Cybersecurity master plan
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project

  • 11.1. Conceptual framework of naval cyber defense and evolving threats
  • 11.2. Designing integrated resilience architectures: redundancy, segmentation and access control
  • 11.3. Modeling advanced persistent threats against naval navigation and communications
  • 11.4. Early detection mechanisms: behavior analysis, event correlation and AI
  • 11.5. Automated incident response and real-time countermeasures
  • 11.6. Integrating C4ISR systems with cybersecurity under electronic warfare conditions
  • 11.7. Assessing vulnerabilities in GNSS, radar, AIS and naval satellite communications
  • 11.8. Simulating cyberattack scenarios to ensure mission continuity
  • 11.9. International standards and multinational interoperability in naval cyber defense
  • 11.10. Contingency and disaster recovery plans for critical maritime and naval infrastructure
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Naval Cyber Defense

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Naval Cyber Defense

01Protect critical maritime infrastructure: apply cybersecurity and physical access control measures to key facilities and act swiftly against intrusions.
02Manage naval cyber incidents: run response plans that prioritize containment, eradication and recovery while keeping naval operations running.
03Develop naval cyber defense strategies: deploy real-time intrusion detection and response protocols adapted to the vulnerabilities of naval platforms and networks.
04Lead response teams at sea: assess the criticality of an attack and contain it while safeguarding navigation, cargo and the marine environment.
05Assess and mitigate cyber risk: implement frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27001 adapted to naval architecture, validated through penetration tests and tabletop exercises.
06Secure naval communications: implement robust encryption and authentication to protect the confidentiality and integrity of information.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Naval Cyber Defense

01Naval cybersecurity analystprotection of critical systems and naval networks against cyber threats.
02Naval systems security engineersecurity measures built into the architecture of shipboard systems.
03Naval cyber incident managerresponse to and recovery from incidents in naval environments.
04Naval cybersecurity auditorassessment of compliance with standards on vessels and naval bases.
05Maritime cyber threat researcheranalysis of malware and attack techniques aimed at the naval sector.
06Naval cyber intelligence specialistthreat information to support strategic decisions.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Naval Cyber Defense

It focuses on naval and defense settings: warships, naval bases, C4ISR, electronic warfare and military communication protocols, alongside the IMO and IACS guidelines that also apply to commercial vessels.

No. It is also aimed at IT and cybersecurity professionals, engineers and consultants. The admission interview confirms that your profile fits.

Fundamentals of networking, operating systems, programming and information security. Basic knowledge of naval architecture and shipboard systems is helpful but not essential.

Yes. The program includes cyberattack simulations, red team and blue team exercises and forensic case studies run in virtual environments.

IMO and IACS guidelines, NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, IEC 62443, NATO cyber defense requirements and the STANAG references that apply to satellite communications.

You design an integrated cyber resilience and response architecture for the navigation and communication systems of a naval platform operating in a hostile environment.

The master's is taught entirely online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, and you progress at your own pace within the schedule you are given on enrollment.

Related programs

More programs in Machinery and electrics

View the whole area →

Professional diploma · 800 hProfessional Diploma in Marine Electrical Systems$1,160 · View program →Short course · 300 hIoT for Vessels Course$460 · View program →Short course · 300 hOnboard Lighting and Electronics Systems Course$470 · View program →
Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at naval officers, naval engineers and maritime security personnel, IT and cybersecurity professionals who want to specialize in the naval environment, systems and network administrators at shipping companies, security consultants and auditors expanding into the maritime sector, and graduates in computer engineering, telecommunications or related fields. A degree in computer engineering, telecommunications or another STEM field, or proven professional experience in cybersecurity, defense or the naval sector, is recommended, together with a grounding in networking, operating systems and information security.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a fast and stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and the ability to run virtual machines for the practical exercises.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $1,016 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

Ask us before you enroll

Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

Enroll now

Consent
Scroll to Top