Port operators and stakeholders need to counter current threats including terrorism and the smuggling of humans and illicit cargoes. Emerging threats to port operations include the rise of ‘ransomware’ and other sophisticated cyberattacks, as well as state-sponsored sabotage for economic/political purposes.

Interruptions to operations causes by crises can quickly amount to losses counted in the millions of dollars, via disrupted shipping schedules and ships diverting to other ports. Security breaches also carry severe reputational losses and potential loss of life, if highly dangerous materials (arms, narcotics, radioactive/chemical substances) are allowed to move between countries through ports.