Toward Enhancing South Korea’s Maritime Cybersecurity Policies: A Comparative Analysis with the United States

Abstract

The maritime sector is a critical area for the national economy and supply chain security. Therefore, in a country like the Republic of Korea (ROK), which has a high dependence on foreign trade, the secure operation of the maritime industry is crucial for national security. The advancement of ICT technologies has facilitated digital transformation in the maritime sector, resulting in increased digital dependency. Additionally, the integration of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT has expanded the scope of cybersecurity threats, now encompassing both IT and OT systems. ROK’s maritime cybersecurity relies largely on regulations from international organizations like the International Maritime Organization, which are insufficient to meet current challenges. In contrast, the United States (U.S.) consistently emphasizes the strategic importance of the maritime sector and the government’s role in its security from a national security perspective, consistently highlighting its management as critical infrastructure. The U.S. approach extends beyond ships and port facilities to include Outer Continental Shelf energy infrastructure, reflecting a broader and evolving scope of maritime cybersecurity. The government employs regulatory mechanisms to strengthen security measures while actively fostering public–private collaboration and international cooperation. This study proposes policy improvements for ROK’s maritime cybersecurity by analyzing U.S. policies and organizational structures, offering insights for strengthening government efforts to address the growing cybersecurity challenges in this critical sector.