In 2022, the Basra Multipurpose Terminal (BMT) in Iraq fell victim to a targeted cyberattack by the Midas ransomware group, a threat actor with suspected ties to Russian cybercriminal operations. The assault severely disrupted port activities, crippling critical infrastructure operations in a region already grappling with economic development challenges. Ransomware attacks on such strategic assets not only halt logistical workflows—delaying cargo handling, vessel scheduling, and customs processing—but also undermine investor confidence and regional trade stability.The incident underscored the vulnerability of maritime and port infrastructure to cyber threats, particularly in geopolitically sensitive areas. While the exact financial or data-related losses were not publicly detailed, the operational downtime likely incurred substantial economic costs, including contractual penalties, lost revenue, and recovery expenses. Moreover, the attack’s ripple effects may have extended to supply chain disruptions, affecting local and international businesses reliant on BMT’s services. The involvement of a state-linked ransomware group further elevated concerns about the intersection of cybercrime and geopolitical tensions, signaling potential risks to Iraq’s broader economic security.