In 2010–2011, DryShips, a Greek shipping company, fell victim to a targeted cyber attack orchestrated by local pirates in the Gulf of Aden. The pirates hired hackers to infiltrate the company’s headquarters in Athens by exploiting vulnerabilities in its Wi-Fi infrastructure. The attackers gained unauthorized access to the company’s IT systems, extracting critical operational data, including ship routes, timetables, and security weaknesses of vessels transiting high-risk piracy zones. The stolen intelligence enabled pirates to precisely target and hijack DryShips’ vessels, leading to multiple successful raids in the Gulf of Aden. The attacks resulted in financial losses from ransom payments, cargo theft, and operational disruptions, alongside severe reputational damage due to the company’s inability to secure its fleet. While no direct data breach of customer or employee records was reported, the incident exposed gaps in cyber-physical security, demonstrating how cyber espionage could directly facilitate real-world criminal operations. The case underscored the emerging threat of cyber-enabled piracy, where digital intrusions translate into physical threats to maritime trade.