01762nas a2200181   4500000000100000008004100001653002700042653001400069653001800083653002600101653002200127653002200149100001800171245010000189300001300289490000700302520127100309       2024                            d10amaritime cybersecurity10aBlack Sea10acyber threats10ageopolitical tensions10aNational security10aregional security1 aYavor Todorov00aNavigating Uncharted Waters: Tackling Maritime Cybersecurity Challenges in the Black Sea Region  a113-132 0 v553 a<p>The Black Sea region, a vital maritime corridor, faces an escalating wave of cybersecurity threats that endanger both regional and international security. As digital technologies increasingly integrate into maritime operations, vulnerabilities to cyberattacks in the region are exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with the involvement of major powers like Russia, China, and Iran. This article offers an analysis of the maritime cybersecurity landscape in the Black Sea, evaluating the capabilities of the littoral states and identifying the key actors responsible for cyber intrusions. Through case studies and examining state-sponsored cyber operations, the research highlights the challenges posed by hybrid warfare in the region. The article also assesses the current policy frameworks and regional cooperation efforts aimed at countering these threats. It concludes by offering actionable recommendations, including the development of robust cybersecurity strategies, enhanced regional collaboration, and the leveraging of emerging technologies to safeguard maritime infrastructure. These measures are essential to preserving stability, protecting global trade routes, and reinforcing NATO’s strategic interests in the Black Sea.</p>