**GNV Ferry "Fantastic" Under Cyberattack Probe Amid Remote Hijack Fears**

French prosecutors are investigating a suspected cyberattack on the GNV ferry "Fantastic," raising concerns of a possible remote hijack. The ferry sails between Sète and North Africa, and French authorities are probing a suspected attempt to compromise the ship's IT systems.

The investigation was prompted by Italian intelligence, who alerted French authorities about two sailors, a Latvian and a Bulgarian, suspected of spying for a foreign power. The Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit is investigating an organized attack on automated data systems, allegedly to serve a foreign power.

According to reports, the Bulgarian citizen was released, while the Latvian was charged in Paris with conspiracy to serve a foreign power, attempted computer system intrusion, and possession of devices to interfere with navigation systems. The company that operates the ferry, GNV, has denied any impact on its systems and said it had identified and neutralized an attempted intrusion.

GNV reported that its defenses successfully blocked and contained an intrusion attempt without impact on company systems, promptly notifying authorities and cooperating fully during police operations while keeping passengers informed. The case highlights three key trends: growing strategic focus on maritime infrastructure, the use of insiders or physical access in OT/IT systems, and public discourse swinging between alarm and reassurance.

Maritime cybersecurity specialist Olivier Jacq told Le Parisien that "the computer systems that control ships are not, by default, connected to the internet. Very few onboard computers have permanent connections. The risk that a ship could be remotely controlled is near zero because it is extremely difficult to implement."

"There are about 200,000 ships in the world's oceans, and none have been hijacked via cyber means, despite serious ongoing geopolitical conflicts," Jacq added.

**Timeline of Events**

* Italian intelligence alerts French authorities about two sailors suspected of spying for a foreign power. * Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit investigates an organized attack on automated data systems. * Bulgarian citizen is released, while Latvian is charged in Paris with conspiracy to serve a foreign power. * GNV ferry "Fantastic" temporarily sealed for safety checks and returns to sea.

**Experts Weigh In**

Maritime cybersecurity specialist Olivier Jacq emphasized that the risk of remote hijack is extremely low due to the secure nature of shipboard computer systems.

"There are about 200,000 ships in the world's oceans, and none have been hijacked via cyber means, despite serious ongoing geopolitical conflicts," Jacq said.

**What's Next?**

The investigation into the GNV ferry "Fantastic" is ongoing, with further technical details expected to emerge. The case could become a key study on how Europe handles suspected state-linked cyber activity against maritime assets.

Follow me on Twitter: @securityaffairs and Facebook and Mastodon (SecurityAffairs – hacking, GNV ferry Fantastic) for updates on this developing story.

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