This is compounded by lax client-facing security as well. "A top-20 carrier allows shippers using their eCommerce platform to use 'x" as their password, while a "top-five carrier claims that the password "12345" is of 'medium" strength," according to CEO and partner at Sea Intelligence Consulting, Lars Jensen.
A recent cyber attack on Maersk Line demonstrated that even a large company can have cyber security vulnerabilities.
"Given the state of affairs in the industry at large, it is crucial that the maritime companies look at the Maersk case and learn from it and create more robust and resilient systems - otherwise this will not be the last time we see such challenges arise," Mr Jensen said, reported American Shipper.
Initially, Maersk's contingency plan was to set up rudimentary functions within 36 hours, however, it has taken longer than expected to have operations returned to normal.
Maersk reported that it had restored its major applications, with client-facing operations being the main priority.
The company's port operator arm, APM Terminals, has also resumed operations and its highly-automated flagship Maasvlakte II Terminal in the port of Rotterdam has resumed import deliveries as well. Tracking and shipment binder data is available, but it is only current for load and discharge data before July 2.
The company said it expects to have all 1,500 of its applications fully functional within a week.
In an update emailed on Thursday, Maersk said, "Our business-critical systems and e-channels are up and running. This allows all new business to continue almost as normal. However, as we are still catching up on the backlogs, you will experience slower than normal response."
Additionally, Maersk said it is currently unable to stabilise processes for "dissemination of prices to customers shipping on short term rates".
However, the company said it "will honour all rates communicated and make sure that all changes will be reflected, even retroactively," adding that it hopes to be fully functioning by early this week.
FedEx subsidiary TNT Express, another freight company hit by the Petya cyber attack, is slowly coming back online. Customers visiting TNT's website are greeted with a pop-up that states it is implementing remediation steps as quickly as possible to support customers who experience limited interruption in pick-up and delivery operations and tracking systems access.
TNT said it will make use of FedEx Express systems and infrastructure as a contingency plan. Until that point, TNT networks will remain in place to minimize the impact to customers, but the company warns some customers may continue to experience delays in service and access to package information.