MTU Conducts Maritime Cybersecurity Simulation Amid Rising Threats

• •MTU hosted a simulated cyberattack exercise on October 9, 2026.
• •Participants included the Irish Naval Service, Defence Forces, and MTU students.
• •The exercise aimed to enhance Ireland's maritime cybersecurity capabilities.

On October 9, 2026, Munster Technological University (MTU) conducted a simulated cyberattack exercise targeting maritime infrastructure, involving the Irish Naval Service, Defence Forces, and students from Cyber Innovate and the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI). The exercise simulated a scenario where a threat actor group paralyzed a port's IT systems and disabled a ship, blocking all traffic. Participants were tasked with identifying attack points, regaining control of the vessel, and assisting Europol in apprehending the hacker group's leader. This event is part of Ireland's broader efforts to enhance maritime cybersecurity, following the unveiling of the National Maritime Security Strategy in February 2026. The simulation was designed by Airbus in collaboration with various maritime and cybersecurity institutions. The exercise aimed to provide hands-on experience and insights into defending critical maritime infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.