The Growing Threats to Port Security: What You Need to Know

Ports are the backbone of global trade, moving millions of tonnes of goods every year. But their size and complexity make them prime targets for criminals. 

The threats come in many guises, from cargo theft and smuggling to cyberattacks and trespassing. As these threats evolve and become more sophisticated, port security must also evolve to meet this changing landscape.  

With the pivotal role ports play in our economy, facilitating billions in trade each year, any security breach at a major port can disrupt supply chains, delay essential goods reaching their destination and cost millions in lost revenue.

However, organised crime, coordinated cyber threats and physical intrusions don't just have financial repercussions; they also pose safety risks to workers and the surrounding community.

When port security fails, the entire country feels the impact - be it fuel shortages, delayed medical supplies or increased insurance costs.

Below, our security experts explore the most significant security risks facing UK ports, the key vulnerabilities that criminals exploit and how the effective implementation of advanced security systems can help shore up ports' defences. 

The Biggest Security Threats Facing UK Ports

As with any challenge, the most effective first step in reducing security risks at ports is to thoroughly understand the nature of the threat. 

Outlined below are the key security challenges facing ports today.

Cargo Theft: A Multi-Billion-Pound Problem

Cargo theft remains the number one security challenge for ports across the UK. The majority of cargo theft is committed by organised gangs who target security gaps to steal high-value goods with frightening efficiency. 

These gangs target the whole breadth of port infrastructure, whether the port itself, lorry parking facilities, high-volume roads around ports or even motorway services near ports. 

The issue is so widespread that it is estimated to cost the UK economy an estimated £680-700 million every year. 

With such high-value rewards on offer, it's little wonder the criminal networks operating in this space have become so sophisticated and pervasive, with their tactics known to include bribing port staff and using drone technology to surveil areas of vulnerability.

Many ports have begun to see cargo theft as a 'routine' incident, underscoring how common this crime has become. With the potential impact on the economy, supply chains and worker safety at risk, now is the time to take more direct action to prevent cargo theft.

Smuggling and Illegal Trade

Ports serve as a gateway for goods entering and leaving the UK, but not everything that comes and goes through our ports does so legally. 

Smugglers have long exploited security vulnerabilities at ports to transport illegal goods, including drugs, firearms and other contraband. 

Between April 2023 and March 2024, UK authorities recorded 21,548 seizures of powder cocaine,  a 14% increase on the previous year and the highest number since 2009.

In a major incident occurring in October 2023, 137 kilograms of cocaine was seized at Sheerness Port in Kent following a collaborative investigation by the National Crime Agency, Metropolitan Police and Border Force. 

As with cargo theft, these crimes are not one-off acts by halfway crooks; they are coordinated by major criminal gangs who employ sophisticated methods to bypass detection, including falsified shipping documentation and hidden compartments within cargo.

Smuggling not only allows illicit substances to come and go from the UK, but it also poses substantial financial and reputational risks to port operators. 

With numbers continuing to rise, it is more important than ever for ports to increase their surveillance posture with advanced CCTV technology.

Cyber Attacks Targeting Critical Infrastructure

As ports increasingly adopt sophisticated software programs and computer networks to manage daily operations, they become vulnerable to the online security threats posed by cybercriminals. 

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has consistently warned about the rising threat of ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, including ports.

In 2024, the NCSC reported a 16% increase in hostile cyber activities compared to the previous year, with ransomware identified as the most immediate threat to critical infrastructure.

As with the physical security threats, most of these cybersecurity risks are highly sophisticated and are primarily borne out of financial gain.

Perimeter Breaches and Trespassing

Ports cover vast areas, and securing every access point is a significant challenge - particularly at times of high activity or during nighttime. 

Trespassers will seek out and exploit unmonitored areas to access restricted zones, which can lead to theft, vandalism and security breaches that put personnel and valuable assets at risk.

Traditional security methods, such as fences, guards and fixed CCTV networks, simply can not provide full coverage across large port areas.

Addressing these vulnerabilities requires a combination of mobile surveillance, live monitoring and access control strategies that can be adapted to changing security requirements.

Why Traditional Security Measures Are No Longer Enough For Ports

Ports have long relied upon tested security measures such as security guards, perimeter fencing and static CCTV networks to secure their assets and infrastructure; however, with the security face they face becoming more sophisticated, a new approach is being demanded. 

The limitations of these legacy security systems are clear to see:

• Security Guards: Costly, unreliable and can't be in more than one place at a time. 
• Fences: Easy to scale, breach and with no warnings or alerts that an intrusion has occurred
• Fixed CCTV: Difficult to scale, can't be adapted to meet changing environments, requires regular maintenance and upgrades

With such limitations, what are the most effective security solutions for UK Ports?

A Smarter Approach to Port Security

The security experts at WCCTV have identified four key ways to improve port security, these are:

Mobile CCTV Towers

Static CCTV solutions are inflexible and costly, hiring portable CCTV Towers allows port authorities to temporarily hire CCTV equipment to address immediate security concerns.

Solutions such as WCCTV's Towers operate independently of power and internet access, meaning they can be quickly installed at practically any location regardless of onsite infrastructure, and there's no costly civil work involved with their deployment.

CCTV Toers offer a highly visible security presence and contain several proactive security features such as audio address systems, alarms and flashing blu lights - all of which improve your security posture. 

AI-Driven Video Analytics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a transformative impact on many industries, with its adoption set to shape future trends in the security industry.

AI-powered video analytics can be leveraged to detect intrusions, classify suspicious activities and trigger remote crime responses that help stop crimes in progress before they escalate.

This ever-improving technology is helping security professionals respond faster whilst minimising false alarms.

Live Monitoring Services

Installing security cameras alone isn't enough. A passive recording device that simply watches crimes in progress without any intervention will only serve to feed criminality at UK ports.

The severity of security risks faced by these critical infrastructure locations demands that cameras be live monitored, allowing a team of security professionals to put eyes on your perimeters and property - and take action when a threat is detected.

Stronger Cybersecurity Measures

Cyber threats against ports and other critical infrastructure will only continue to grow.

Ports should conduct regular cybersecurity audits, implement multi-factor authentication and work closely with agencies such as the National Cyber Security Centre to stay protected against digital attacks.

The Cost of Inaction

For ports across the UK, the time to modernise your security approach is today. Failure to take action against the growing tide of criminal activity can lead to severe consequences, including:

• Financial losses caused by the material loss of stolen cargo, delays to supply chains, repairs and cyber disruptions.

• Regulatory fines and insurance premiums increases for failing to meet statutory requirements or security standards.

• Reputational damage that can lead to loss of public sentiment and partnership challenges.

• Operational shutdowns, delaying trade and harming the economy.

Is Your Port Prepared?

The security threats faced by ports will only continue to grow unless operators take the appropriate action. Modern security solutions such as CCTV Towers, Ai-based video analytics and live video monitoring can help stop criminal activity before it has the chance develop.

Strengthen Your Port’s Security Today