Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), India’s largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility, has allegedly fallen victim to a cyber attack.
While the shipyard’s official website was targeted, there is no confirmation yet from CSL regarding the alleged attack.
If the suspected Cochin Shipyard cyber attack is confirmed, it will be a matter of concern for the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Defence, which is based close to the Cochin Shipyard.
The shipbuilding and maintenance facility is intricately linked to the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy and Cochin Port, making it a component of the India’s critical national infrastructure.
Despite attempts to obtain confirmation from CSL’s public relations team, an email sent to the listed PR contact remained unanswered as of the time of publishing this report. The Cyber Express has also alerted the Cochin Port Authority and the National Cyber Emergency Response Team.
Cochin Shipyard cyber attack and the impact
The shipyard’s official website was reportedly targeted by a hacking group called Host Kill Crew. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, as stated in a tweet by threat intelligence service FalconFeeds at 2:30 pm IST on May 21.
According to the tweet, the Cochin Shipyard website was inaccessible around that time. However, the website was found active and functioning normally at the time of publishing this report.
Cochin Shipyard Limited, established in 1972 as a wholly-owned government company, has played a pivotal role in the shipbuilding and repair industry in India.
CSL has engaged in partnerships with prominent technology firms worldwide, further enhancing its standing in the global shipbuilding sector.
The shipyard has a diverse clientele, comprising both domestic and international entities. It has successfully exported 47 vessels to countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the USA, Germany, Denmark/Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
On the domestic front, CSL has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Shipping Corporation of India Limited, and various government entities.
The potential consequences of a cyberattack extend beyond the shipyard itself. The two organisations to face the first wave of the ripple effects would be the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy and Cochin Port.
Cochin Shipyard and the inseparable Indian Navy connection
Over the years, the shipyard has earned a reputation for its excellence in constructing and delivering a wide range of vessels for the Indian Navy.
This includes the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy and various technologically advanced ships such as Platform Supply Vessels (PSV) and Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTS).
In June 2022, the Indian Navy and CSL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Dry Docking and allied Services for Indian Naval Ships.
This partnership underscores the critical role that CSL plays in supporting the Indian Navy’s operations.
Furthermore, on July 28, 2022, CSL achieved a significant milestone by delivering the first indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) to the Indian Navy.
The construction of the IAC-1, named “Vikrant,” marked a groundbreaking achievement for India in terms of both size and complexity.
Cochin Shipyard Limited undertook the detailed engineering, construction, and system integration for this ambitious project.
The successful completion and delivery of the indigenous Aircraft Carrier reaffirm CSL’s expertise and its crucial role in strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
Therefore, any disruption caused by the suspected cyberattack not only affects the shipyard’s operations but also indirectly impacts the Southern Naval Command and the overall defense readiness of the country.
Cochin Shipyard and Cochin Port Trust
Cochin Port, one of the largest ports in India, serves as a vital trade hub and houses various maritime facilities including the Cochin Shipyard. The port is governed by the Cochin Port Authority (CoPA), an Indian government establishment.
The Cochin Shipyard plays a crucial role in supporting the port’s activities, contributing to the growth and development of maritime infrastructure in the region.
The Cochin Port Authority plays a major role in assisting the Cochin Shipyard’s operations in the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships, including naval vessels.
A cyber attack on Cochin Shipyard Limited can have a ripple effect on the Cochin Port Trust.
As both entities are intertwined in their operations and functions, any disruption or compromise in CSL’s systems and infrastructure due to a cyber attack could indirectly impact the smooth functioning of the Cochin Port.