Top 7 Cybersecurity Lessons and Trends from 2025 for Superyachts and the Crews that run them

Cybersecurity in 2025 was defined by acceleration. Faster technology adoption, faster attacks, and higher expectations from regulators, owners, and insurers. For the superyacht industry, these trends are no longer abstract enterprise problems. They directly affect crew operations, guest privacy, financial security, and safety management.

Below are the top seven cybersecurity lessons and trends from 2025 specifically for superyacht crews, yacht managers, and yacht programs.

1. AI is now part of operations

Even if crew are not actively using artificial intelligence beyond chatting with a tool in an app or browser, your suppliers are. Vendors across IT, navigation, maintenance, accounting, HR, and operations are integrating AI into their systems and services.

The key questions every yacht program should now be asking are:

• How is this vendor using AI?

• What data does it access or process?

• Has the cybersecurity impact been fully considered?

Proceed with caution, regardless of marketing claims. Do not assume vendors have thought through the security implications of AI on your behalf.

2. Speed creates risk if there’s no process

This goes far beyond typing guest or owner information into a free AI chat tool (reminder: which you should not do!)

Under time pressure, crews often enable familiar tools, apps, or software simply to get the job done. Without defined procedures, this leads to:

• Shadow IT

• Duplicated services

• Unnecessary data exposure

• Being billed twice for overlapping tools

A lack of yacht-specific procedures creates operational risk and long-term security debt.

3. Attackers use AI too

Threat actors are using AI to produce more convincing phishing emails, deepfakes, and highly targeted scams. These attacks are faster to create, easier to scale, and harder to spot.

This makes crew training and awareness critical. Attackers are no longer relying on obvious mistakes. They are precise, contextual, and increasingly believable.

4. Threats are increasingly automated

Most cyberattacks are no longer manual or opportunistic. They are driven by automated systems that constantly scan, test, and exploit weaknesses.

This means cybersecurity cannot be:

• A one-off project

• A yearly checklist item

• Something only addressed after an incident

Security must be continuous, proactive, and embedded into day-to-day operations.

5. Machine access is growing quietly

As more tools and services are introduced, more non-human access is created. This includes devices, applications, integrations, and automated services logging into systems.

In practice, this means:

• Knowing what devices and services have access

• Limiting what they are allowed to do

• Removing access when it is no longer needed

Forgotten access often becomes a silent and dangerous risk.

6. Third-party risk is the biggest threat to yacht programs

Suppliers and service providers represent the largest cybersecurity risk to most yachts today.

The most common real-world impacts are email spoofing and invoice fraud, in which attackers impersonate trusted vendors and alter bank details.

Outsourced services, shared apps, and vendor tools can all introduce vulnerabilities. Every supplier should be vetted before use and monitored over time.

We are actively vetting common suppliers in the superyacht industry. If you would like us to send a cybersecurity questionnaire to a supplier, please share the company name and a point of contact. Email us at: 

7. Governance and cybersecurity documentation are under more scrutiny

Flag states and class societies are asking better questions during audits and expect more than a generic risk register copied from shore-side management.

They want to see yacht-specific governance, including:

• Clear SOPs

• Documented procedures

• Incident response and recovery plans

• Evidence that the crew can uphold security standards daily

Strong documentation supports safer operations and protects the crew when things go wrong.

Final thoughts

Cybersecurity in 2025 made one thing clear. Yachts are no longer peripheral targets. They are part of a complex digital supply chain and are expected to operate with the same discipline as any other critical asset.

The good news is that most risks can be significantly reduced with the proper structure, awareness, and support.

If you would like help with cybersecurity governance, supplier risk, crew training, or continuous cyber support, get in touch.