Sponsored By

Cyber security – more focus required, says expertCyber security – more focus required, says expert

Cyber protection in shipping is lagging behind many other sectors just as the threat profile continues to escalate.

Paul Bartlett, Correspondent

January 22, 2021

1 Min Read
nahel abdul hadi flha0KwRrRc unsplash
Photo: Nahel Abdul Hadi - Unsplash

This was the stark message from Ben Densham, chief technology officer of Nettitude, a cyber security company owned by Lloyd’s Register, as he addressed a Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Conference, held virtually this week.

The incidence of attacks has increased markedly since the onset of the pandemic, he said, revealing that “the bad guys have used it to infiltrate systems”. But shipping’s vulnerability has never been greater, he pointed out, as the industry’s digital transformation continues to accelerate. “Moving online opens up the attack surface,” Densham warned, “with more opportunities for hackers.”

He drew attention to the seven-month-old cyber espionage campaign, SolarWind, widely thought to be state-sponsored which is estimated to have infiltrated more than 18,000 targets with malicious code which initially lay dormant for some weeks. Many Fortune 500 companies are thought to have been attacked, as well as US Government departments and Microsoft.

Against a backdrop of heightened risk, Densham said that shipping needs to change its thinking. “We need to think security, not just compliance,” he declared, pointing out that building cyber security into assets at the design stage is fine, but systems subsequently need constant attention in operation to guard against the speed and agility of threats and attacks in the cyber arena.

Related:ABB Marine & Ports opens new lab to stress-test cyber threats

Densham stressed the importance of continuous testing of cyber resilience. As remote connectivity and varying degrees of autonomy transform many long-established shipping business models, companies must focus on cyber risks and their possible impact, he said, because they pose a constant threat that runs through all aspects of business.

In addition to its involvement in shipping and energy, Nettitude provides cyber security services to governments, the defence sector, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and retail.          

 

Read more about:

Cyber Security

About the Author

Paul Bartlett

Correspondent

UK-based Paul Bartlett is a maritime journalist and consultant with over four decades of experience in international shipping, including ship leasing, project finance and financial due diligence procedures.

Paul is a former Editor of Seatrade magazine, which later became Seatrade Maritime Review, and has contributed to a range of Seatrade publications over the years including Seatrade’s Green Guide, a publication investigating early developments in maritime sustainability initiatives, and Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine, focusing on the vibrant market for such vessels across that region.

In 2002, Paul set up PB Marine Consulting Ltd and has worked on a variety of consultancy projects during the last two decades. He has also contributed regular articles on the maritime sector for a range of shipping publications and online services in Europe, Asia, and the US.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like