The shipping industry operates on the information systems to
run many essential processes effectively. These include nautical security,
navigation, steering, energy production, communication, and propulsion to name
a few. Just like any other information system, these processes, whether
embedded or not, are vulnerable to cyberattack, and the loss of valuable,
confidential information can have serious consequences for the shipping
company,
Increased threat of
cyberattack with introduction of digitization
Digital technology continues to spread its way through the
naval sector, becoming indispensable in such places as the management systems
for sea vessels, cargo, and port infrastructures. The digital revolution has
helped to increase profitability, productivity, and competitiveness within
industries. However, with the interconnectedness of ships and shore comes the
risk of cyberattack in the maritime sector.
It is not just the ships that are vulnerable to cyberattacks
but any related infrastructure will be exposed as well by association. A
vulnerable ship is not only exposing itself but also its network to any
shore-based operations, thus introducing one big point of weakness in an
otherwise secure network. Physical interaction with the ship could potentially
allow even something as small as a USB drive to compromise an entire operation.
Measures implemented
by shipping industry to combat the cyberattacks
- Considering the vulnerability of ships to cyberattack,
most shipping companies have incorporated maritime cyber security measures into
the designing phase of the ship to prevent or detect probable cyberattacks.
- Most companies have cyber security workshops or seminars,
not just amongst experts but amongst shipboard workers to increase awareness
about the cyber threat and how to prevent it.
- They have also started analysing the types of risks
associated with the introduction of mobile satellite services as well as implementing
the required measures for improving cyber security.
- Security measures and software protecting the maritime
cyber security threat at port infrastructure is constantly being evaluated and
upgraded.
Though the shipping industry benefits from mobile satellite services and satellite internet services, the introduction of these new
technologies has increased the threat of cyberattacks. It is essential for the
shipping companies to implement the appropriate cyber security measures to combat
the situation.
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