When Cybersecurity Leaves the Screen and Becomes Physical
A small device discreetly plugged into a server room can give an attacker full control over your critical operations. This is not science fiction — it’s a real and growing threat, as shown by the Fantastic ferry case.
(Source: Le Journal de Montréal)
In December 2025, a suspicious device — similar to a modified USB key or hard drive — was discovered onboard the Italian ferry during a stopover in France. Preliminary investigation suggests the device could have enabled remote control of the ship’s navigation system. Even more troubling: its presence indicates possible internal complicity or unauthorized physical access.
This maritime incident is a harsh reminder of a critical truth: in a connected world, a physical breach can trigger a large-scale digital sabotage. And this risk isn’t limited to the maritime industry. Many Quebec SMEs rely on connected systems — IP cameras, industrial controllers, access control systems — all vulnerable to the same kind of threat.
How Can a Cybercriminal “Board” Your Systems?
The Fantastic case is a textbook example of a hybrid attack: physical access becomes the gateway to digital compromise. The device found onboard reportedly included software capable of communicating externally via SIM card, allowing a remote attacker to manipulate critical ship functions.
In a business context, a similar scenario might involve:
– A USB stick plugged into a sensitive workstation
– An unknown device connected to an internal network
– An employee or visitor with unsupervised access to the server room
– Or an IoT device compromised through a malicious update
These physical entry points are often the most overlooked in security policies, even though they can bypass the most advanced digital protections.
Why This Scenario Is Among the Most Dangerous?
What makes these attacks so alarming is their dual nature: they bridge the digital and physical worlds. A USB breach might seem minor — but if it targets an industrial machine, a security system, or critical infrastructure, the consequences can be devastating:
– Business interruption(e.g., production line shutdown)
– Physical safety risks (e.g., unlocked doors, disabled ventilation)
– Targeted sabotage (e.g., covert changes to calibration or temperature settings)
In the Fantastic case, experts noted that remote control of the ship during port approach could have caused a collision, given the vessel’s inertia. The analogy is clear: a Quebec SME using automated or robotic systems could face a similar shutdown — with no time to react.
What SMEs Can Do Right Now?
The good news: you can act today. Here are five actionable practices to reduce the risk of physical intrusions leading to digital breaches:
1. Control Physical Access to Sensitive Systems
– Restrict access to server rooms and critical infrastructure
– Avoid exposed USB ports on sensitive workstations
– Install cameras and log-based access monitoring
2. Disable Unused Ports and Manage Authorized Devices
– Use device control solutions (e.g., DLP, USB management tools)
– Enforce policies banning unauthorized peripherals
3. Separate IT and OT Networks (Operational Technology)
– Avoid direct connections between administrative and industrial systems
– Use dedicated firewalls to segment network zones
4. Monitor for Unusual Behavior
– Deploy intrusion detection or network behavior monitoring tools
– Log and audit user activity
5. Train Your Teams
– Educate staff about risks tied to unknown devices
– Include physical cybersecurity in regular training programs
Anticipation Prevents Damage
The Fantastic incident is more than a maritime news story — it exposes a blind spot in how organizations approach cybersecurity. The line between digital and physical is increasingly blurred, and cyberattacks today can cause very real, tangible, and costly damage.
Quebec SMEs must take these scenarios seriously — not from a place of fear, but of preparation. Because physical cybersecurity practices are often simple, low-cost… and remarkably effective.
If this article raised concerns about your organization’s vulnerabilities, My Technician’s specialists can help you get clarity. We already support many Quebec SMEs in strengthening their IT security — including against hybrid threats.
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