Toward sustainability and digital resilience: A circular economy cybersecurity framework for seaports

Abstract

• CE principles enhance port cybersecurity through modularity, reuse, and resource efficiency. • CE integration supports ports’ sustainability goals by promoting eco-friendly technologies and energy efficiency. • Lifecycle assessments and industry collaboration improve CE-based cybersecurity performance and risk management. • Reuse and refurbishment strategies reduce environmental impact while strengthening cybersecurity. • Key risks of CE-based cybersecurity include integration issues, performance trade-offs, and operational delays, mitigated through planning and collaboration. This study investigates the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into cybersecurity practices at Laem Chabang Port (LCP) in Thailand, aiming to enhance resilience and sustainability within port operations. Employing the Delphi method to capture expert insights, the research examines key cybersecurity functions—identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover—while proposing strategies such as modular system design, eco-friendly materials, and collaborative frameworks. These approaches yield significant benefits, including operational efficiency, cost savings, and strengthened stakeholder cooperation, fostering a more sustainable cybersecurity environment. Notably, the deployment of modular detection systems and energy-efficient tools extends the lifecycle of technological assets, reducing environmental impact and aligning with CE objectives. However, the study identifies critical challenges, such as the reliability of eco-friendly materials, complexities in implementing modular systems, and data integrity risks in backup processes, emphasizing the need for robust planning and risk mitigation strategies. By proposing a balanced approach that prioritizes ecological sustainability alongside cybersecurity robustness, this research highlights the potential for ports to achieve energy savings . The study concludes by recommending the development of transferable frameworks to mitigate these risks and maximize CE benefits, positioning LCP and similar ports at the forefront of the smart port revolution.