Cyber
Protecting ports from cyber attacks
August 18, 2025
Cybersecurity Threats to Ports and Critical Infrastructure in East Africa
East Africa’s ports are more than just gateways for goods. They are the arteries through which much of the region’s economy flows. From the Port of Mombasa, serving as a hub for East and Central Africa, to the emerging Lamu Port and the Standard Gauge Railway connecting coastal trade to inland markets, ports and their surrounding infrastructure keep businesses supplied, economies moving, and communities connected.
But in recent years, these very lifelines have come under increasing threat. Ports and their connected systems have become prime targets for ransomware attacks. The consequences are not abstract—they are immediate and costly: delayed shipments, fuel shortages, rising prices, and risks to safety and national security.
This month’s newsletter takes a closer look at how ransomware targeting ports has evolved, why critical infrastructure surrounding ports is increasingly vulnerable, and what practical steps organizations can take to protect themselves.
Not long ago, ransomware was largely limited to locking up files on office computers. Today, it has become something far more dangerous. Attackers now aim at operational technology (OT)—the cranes that move containers, the systems that manage cargo flows, and even the software that ships rely on to navigate.
This shift has made ports vulnerable to disruptions that can ripple far beyond the harbor walls. A single compromised system can grind entire supply chains to a halt.
Consider the timeline:
These attacks reveal a troubling pattern: cybercriminals have learned that when a port stops, everything stops.
Ports present an ideal storm of vulnerabilities:
In Africa, these vulnerabilities are already being tested. Logistics providers in South Africa have faced attacks that disrupted supply chains region-wide, while Nigerian ports report weekly ransomware attempts.
The threat doesn’t stop at the dockside. Increasingly, attackers are looking beyond the gates to the systems that support port operations—fuel terminals, railway connections, power grids, and water utilities. These are often less protected but just as essential.
Ports cannot function without fuel. In Europe, ransomware attacks on oil terminals forced supply rerouting in 2022. The Colonial Pipeline attack in the United States showed how fuel infrastructure disruptions can cripple transportation. In Africa, similar risks exist at port fuel terminals, where industrial control systems could be hijacked to halt refueling.
Railways are vital for moving goods inland. East Africa’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is a prime example, linking ports to cities and markets. But as signaling and tracking systems become digitized, they also become vulnerable. A cyber attack here could create not just delays, but real safety hazards.
Ports rely heavily on electricity—for cranes, refrigerated containers, lighting, and more. Attacks on power grids can be as devastating as direct ransomware on port systems. Even water utilities, essential for firefighting, are vulnerable and often overlooked in security planning.
The interconnected nature of these systems creates cascading effects:
If the risks are growing, so are the defenses available to ports and operators. The good news is that there are practical, proven steps organizations can take today.
Cybersecurity is not something any one organization can solve alone. Effective defense requires collaboration:
The digital transformation of ports and infrastructure has created new opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity at ports is no longer just about protecting IT systems—it is about safeguarding trade, national security, and economic stability.
The reality is that the attackers are innovating, but so are the defenses. By taking action now—segmenting networks, training staff, enforcing strict vendor management, and collaborating across the region—ports and operators can build resilience against this evolving threat.
At Plena Solutions, we understand the unique challenges facing African ports: resource constraints, legacy systems, and the need to maintain operations while modernizing defenses. Our focus is on delivering practical, effective solutions that work in these environments while meeting global security standards.
In today’s connected world, the security of one is the security of all. Protecting our ports and infrastructure means protecting our economies, our businesses, and our communities.
About Plena Solutions
Plena Solutions Ltd. is a cybersecurity solutions provider serving private and public organizations across Eastern and Southern Africa. With offices in Kenya and Israel, we combine local insight with leading global technologies to help clients manage risk and stay ahead of emerging threats.