MTU Hosts Cybersecurity Challenge to Protect Ireland's Maritime Infrastructure From Digital Threats
MTU hosts maritime cybersecurity challenge with Irish Naval Service, testing defences against digital threats to Ireland's ports and critical infrastructure.
Munster Technological University brought together the Irish Naval Service, maritime experts and cybersecurity specialists to test Ireland's defences against evolving cyber threats targeting ports and harbours in a live simulation exercise at its Cork campus last Friday.
The Cybersecurity Smart Maritime Challenge 2025 took place at MTU's Bishopstown Campus on 26 September, showcasing how Cork's long tradition as a safe harbour is evolving to meet 21st-century threats. Where the city once protected against storms and pirates, today's challenge involves defending critical port infrastructure from sophisticated cyberattacks.
Four teams participated in the exercise, which was designed by Airbus and conducted using MTU's state-of-the-art Cyber Range infrastructure. The simulation mirrored a real-world scenario where hackers paralysed a port's IT systems and disabled a ship at its entrance, effectively blocking all maritime traffic.
Teams comprised staff from the Irish Naval Service and the National Maritime College of Ireland, alongside MTU researchers and students from the Cyber Innovate programme. Participants were tasked with identifying attack vectors, regaining control of the compromised vessel, and supporting Europol in tracking down the hacker group's leader.
The challenge provided hands-on experience directly relevant to protecting Ireland's vital shipping and trade infrastructure, particularly as the offshore renewable energy sector becomes increasingly important to the country's energy security and EU climate targets.
Dr Hazel Murray, Chair of Cybersecurity at Munster Technological University, said:
"This collaboration between the Irish Navy, NMCI, maritime experts and cybersecurity specialists is essential to safeguarding Ireland's national security. This challenge highlights both the scale of the threat and the strength of the talent we are building in Ireland. Preparing for cybersecurity shock events before they happen is the only way to ensure our ports and maritime infrastructure remain resilient in an increasingly uncertain global landscape."
MTU's Cyber Range platform is unique in Ireland, allowing simulated cyberattacks on virtual organisations in a controlled environment without risking real-world damage or service disruptions.
Dr George O'Mahony of MTU said:
"At MTU, we are dedicated to advancing cybersecurity through cutting-edge education and research. This state-of-the-art facility provides invaluable training for students, researchers and industry professionals, allowing them to build critical skills without risking real-world damage or outages."
The university is recognised as a leader in cybersecurity education and has helped establish Cork's reputation as Ireland's cybersecurity hub. MTU runs multiple programmes including Cyber Innovate, Cyber Skills, Cyber Explore, Cyber Resilience, Cyber Safety and Cyber Futures. The institution's graduates have helped attract numerous national and international companies to the region.
The event was organised in collaboration with Cyber Innovate, the Irish Naval Service and the National Maritime College of Ireland. Further information about Cyber Innovate events is available at www.cyberinnovate.ie.
