ClassNK joins US cyber risk initiative ahead of IMO 2021

Photo: Marcus Spiske - Unsplash MarcusSpiskeUnsplash.jpg
ClassNK has become the first non-US and classification society partner to join the Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MTS-ISAC) to help address cyber security risks.

MTS-ISAC was formed as a non-profit body in February 2020 by a group of US-based maritime critical infrastructure stakeholders to promote cybersecurity information sharing throughout the community.

ClassNK explains that the partnership will provide it with actionable insights from community-sourced cyber threat intelligence to reinforce its own Cyber Security Guidelines. 

Both vessel and shoreside cybersecurity efforts will be under increasing scrutiny starting in 2021, it adds, since the IMO has a deadline of 1 January 2021 for Maritime Cyber Risk Management to be addressed in Safety Management Systems.

In addition, the US Coast Guard will be inspecting Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 regulated facilities for cyber risk management efforts for the first time starting with annual inspections occurring on or after October 1, 2021.

“We have been working with the International Association of Classification Societies, maritime stakeholders and cyber security professionals to understand and promote cybersecurity best practices across the maritime transportation system (MTS),” commented ClassNK evp Hirofumi Takano.

“By joining the MTS-ISAC, we will have increased visibility to current, real-world examples of cyber threats,” he added. “With IMO 2021 right around the corner, this relationship is perfectly timed to add increasing value to our stakeholders.”