As global shipping continues to face mounting geopolitical tensions and a rapidly evolving digital threat landscape, few voices are as tuned in to the challenges—and solutions—as Corey Ranslem, CEO of Dryad Global.
In a recent interview ahead of London International Shipping Week 2025, Corey shared valuable insights into how Dryad is helping the industry tackle both legacy and emerging threats, and why cybersecurity is fast becoming shipping’s most critical line of defence.
Dryad Global began its journey in the early 2000s in response to the rising threat of piracy. While that threat has since waned, Dryad’s expertise in maritime risk has grown, pivoting toward comprehensive risk intelligence that helps shipping companies make informed, confident decisions on a global scale.
“We’re not just putting dots on maps,” Corey explains. “We’re answering the real question for fleet managers: Does this incident matter to you?”
This commitment to actionable insight has earned Dryad a leadership position in maritime risk intelligence. With analysts positioned around the world, the firm continues to provide operational clarity in an increasingly chaotic global environment.
In the past year, Dryad has expanded into a second area of critical importance: maritime cybersecurity.
Recognising the growing threat of cyber attacks—and the unique vulnerabilities ships face compared to land-based operations—Dryad has developed a new line of cybersecurity services tailored specifically for vessels. These tools are designed for low-bandwidth, low-compute environments, often capable of running entirely offline, ensuring ships stay protected no matter where they are.
“A ship is not a bank or an office,” Corey says. “You need different tools that are operationally viable at sea—even without a connection.”
Dryad’s cyber offering is not a generic add-on—it’s a solution built from the keel up for maritime realities.
When asked how well prepared the shipping industry is for the cyber threats it faces, Corey is candid:
“We’ve seen some companies that are very well prepared—usually the ones who’ve already suffered an attack. But many are still lagging behind.”
In fact, Corey estimates that global shipping is 5–10 years behind other industries when it comes to recognising and addressing cyber risk.
One of the key concerns? Crew training and mindset.
While seafarers are increasingly aware of risks like USB usage, the sheer volume of required qualifications means cyber awareness can often fall through the cracks. Dryad addresses this with intuitive training and shipboard systems that minimise the burden on crew while still delivering robust protection.
Looking ahead, Corey emphasises that the nature of cyber threats is evolving fast—especially with the rise of AI-powered attacks. “The threats of tomorrow will be smarter, more complex, and more targeted,” he warns. “And AI will be used on both sides—by attackers and defenders alike.”
Shipping must be ready. That means not only deploying preventative technologies but also preparing for recovery, mitigation, and insurance-backed risk management.
“You might spend £X to prevent an attack—but you’ll spend 10x that to recover from one,” Corey adds.
Dryad will once again be a major partner at London International Shipping Week 2025, bringing a larger team and deeper engagement than ever before. As part of their presence, they’ll be hosting a seminar on Tuesday 16 September, structured in two focused sessions:
Threat Landscape Deep Dive – Exploring the current geopolitical and cyber threats impacting global shipping.
Solutions in Focus – A hands-on look at how the industry can tackle these challenges through technology, policy, and strategic partnerships.
“We don’t just want to talk about the problems,” Corey says. “We want to offer real, actionable solutions that help protect crews, cargo, and companies.”
Looking at the wider global risk landscape, Corey sees two dominant themes for 2025:
Geopolitical Tension – Conflicts in the Red Sea and beyond are putting commercial shipping at the centre of global crises.
Cyber Risk Escalation – The number and sophistication of cyber attacks will continue to rise, especially with the integration of AI.
Dryad’s recommendation? Start with a top-down cyber risk assessment—including both shoreside and shipboard operations—and build a step-by-step mitigation plan that doesn’t break the budget.
From its roots in piracy response to its leadership in cyber defence, Dryad Global is helping reshape how the shipping industry tackles modern risk. As LISW25 approaches, Corey and his team will be on the ground, sharing their knowledge, engaging with partners, and shaping the conversation around what comes next.
“Shipping doesn’t need more fear,” Corey concludes. “It needs better tools, better insights, and a community that’s prepared. That’s what we’re here to deliver.”
📌 Join Dryad Global at LISW25
Register now for our event on Tuesday 16 September: https://www.dryadglobal.com/navigating-the-future-maritime-cyber-defence-and-risk-intelligence
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