The International Maritime Organization has been hit by a cyber-attack that targeted its IT systems and put its website out of action.

The attack on the UN shipping regulator follows a similar incident involving French container line operator CMA CGM earlier this week.

The IMO said the attack started on Wednesday.

In a statement the IMO said: “The interruption of service was caused by a sophisticated cyber-attack against the organisation’s IT systems that overcame robust security measures in place. IMO IT technicians shut down key systems to prevent further damage from the attack.”

The IMO said that it is attempting to restore its systems. Internal and external email functions are already back working again. Some of its databases are also operational.

“The IMO is working with UN IT and security experts to restore systems as soon as possible, to identify the source of the attack, and further enhance security systems to prevent recurrence,” the IMO said.

It is not known whether the attack on the IMO is politically motivated.

The IMO has been conducting all its meetings virtually during the coronavirus pandemic.

The attack will raise concerns about the level of cyber security in place to protect UN systems.

There have been no reports of coordinated attacks on other UN organisations.

However, there were reports of an cyber attack on UN IT systems in July last year.