Shipping Firms Still Far Away from Cyber Security Basics

2016-06-07

While cyber security has become a hot topic on conference platforms and industry events around the world, implementation plans and training for crew are lagging as companies take time to develop top-down strategies, according to shipping industry’s provider of shipboard software solutions GTMaritime.

While shipping companies get to grips with the longer term issues of securing supply chains and remote monitoring systems, GTMaritime said that there is an immediate need for better shipboard practices.

“A vessel’s computer systems are vulnerable, just like any others. Our email service already scans all email to ensure no viruses are sent to the vessel, but on-board protection is still required against malware from USB memory drives and the internet,” GTMaritime Managing Director, Rob Kenworthy, said.

Vessel crews have been identified as a ‘front line’ in the fight against hackers, with dire predictions of potential targeting of vessels at sea and in port. However, when asked how many of their crew have received training on cyber security or the safe use of social media, not enough owners have addressed the basics of improving procedures onboard.

NGOs and regulators are increasingly paying attention to the subject. The US Coast Guard’s cyber strategy, published in June 2015 makes threat response an integral part of a ship operator’s responsibilities. The International Maritime Organization approved its own interim guidelines at the recent Maritime Safety Committee meeting.

GTMaritime has partnered with security solution provider, ESET, to develop GTSentinel, an anti-virus solution optimised for the maritime market, designed to minimise the impact of low bandwidth networks. In addition to firewall and anti-virus functions, GTSentinel can help protect vessels against malware and automated diallers, offering real-time protection and system monitoring as well as scheduled scans, GTMaritime said.

Source from : World Maritime News

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