Maritime

We have developed a deep understanding of the cyber issues facing the Port and Maritime sectors from both our military service and as a specialist Cyber Security Consultancy.

More than 90% of world trade including the global transportation of energy is conducted by sea and our reliance on technology continues to increase, we are now very much immersed in the digital era.As proud members of the The Be Cyber Aware At Sea campaign we understand the challenges that the digital era brings to shipping and offshore operations.

Ships and offshore platforms are becoming more sophisticated and in many cases crews are getting smaller. The cyber threat at sea poses significant security, safety and financial risks to shipping and offshore operations. Cyber security should be considered a board level priority issue in order to tackle this emerging threat at sea.

In our view, the interconnection of numerous ship borne and port systems which were not designed with security as a consideration has made the Port and Maritime Industry particularly vulnerable to cyber-attack. Our recent experience in leading the UK contingent on a multinational, real time Critical National Infrastructure Cyber Defence exercise in the USA, has given us cutting edge insight into the vulnerabilities exposed by interconnected IT and SCADA systems. More importantly, it has shown us how they can be protected from attack by organised crime and cyber terrorism.

Reinforcing our view, a new Code of Practice on Cyber Security for Ports and Port Systems (“the Code”) has recently been launched. The Code was commissioned by the Department of Transport (“DfT”) and has been prepared by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (“IET”). It provides advice and guidance for senior managers and those with responsibility at UK ports for protecting their facilities from risks arising from a cyber security attack on the port’s electronic or computer based systems. You can access a copy of the Code here.

We have developed particular expertise in:

• Security Accreditation
• De-risking System Procurement
• Secure Architecture Design
• Digital Forensics
• Penetration Testing
• IT Health Checks
• Security Requirements

Cyber security awareness and training are the first steps to a safer and securer future at sea. If you or your organisation would like to learn more about our offerings for Ports and Maritime Organisations we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are proud supporters of the Be Cyber Aware at Sea Initiative,  a global maritime and offshore industry effort to raise awareness of the increasing maritime cyber threats to international shipping, ports and offshore operations.

More than 90% of world trade including the global transportation of energy is conducted by sea and our reliance on technology continues to increase, we are now very much immersed in the digital era.

Ships and offshore platforms are becoming more sophisticated and in many cases crews are getting smaller. The cyber threat at sea poses significant security, safety and financial risks to shipping and offshore operations. Cyber security should be considered a board level priority issue in order to tackle this emerging threat at sea

BIMCO was the first organisation to see the benefit in joining forces with other countries to secure better deals and standard agreements in shipping -The Baltic and International Maritime Council – The second edition includes information on insurance issues and how to effectively segregate networks, as well as new practical advice on managing the ship to shore interface, and how to handle cyber security during port calls and when communicating with the shore side.

Cyber security is certainly a hot topic for all of us now, and this latest guidance includes valuable information, applying a risk based approach to all of the areas of concern, highlighting how an individual’s unwitting actions might expose their organisation.

 

Angus Frew, BIMCO Secretary General and CEO