Most of the maritime sector may feel it can handle a horrific cyber-attack but individual companies are not so sure, according to an analysis released today.

"Our survey revealed that the US maritime industry has a false sense of preparedness," US law firm Jones Walker said in an inaugural Maritime Cybersecurity Survey.

The 14-page audit of 126 senior executives shows that 69% of the industry is confident it can handle a "potentially devastating" incident but only 36% say their own companies are prepared.