Guidance On Cyber-Risk Management Beyond IMO 2021 Compliance Offered In Inmarsat Report

How shipping industry can raise cyber risk management standards beyond regulatory compliance amid escalating threats to maritime cyber security demonstrated

A new report published by Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, highlights the role of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2021 cyber risk management code in providing a framework for cyber resilience but warns that there is more to combating attacks than compliance alone. Compiled by maritime innovation consultancy Thetius, Beyond Compliance – Cyber Risk Management After IMO 2021 encourages proactivity in preventing and mitigating the impact of cyber-attacks.

“Assuring data resilience and cyber security are key preoccupations for the shipping industry,” said Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime. “The IMO guidelines on maritime cyber risk management have helped stakeholders to address cyber threats, but the nature of digital attacks continues to evolve due to advances in computing technology and developing geopolitical conflicts.. Over the 12 months between May 2020 and May 2021, cyberattacks targeting the maritime sector increased by 168% in the Asia-Pacific region alone.

“To ensure the resilience of their digital infrastructure, shipping companies need to look beyond regulatory compliance and be more proactive in their approach to cyber-risk management.”

One cornerstone of this approach is Unified Threat Management (UTM). By combining solutions such as firewalls, antivirus programs, content filters, and intrusion and detection systems into a single hardware and software package, Inmarsat’s Fleet Secure UTM streamlines the installation, configuration, administration, and maintenance of network security infrastructure. It thereby helps shipping companies, like Denmark-based Evergas, to raise security standards beyond regulatory compliance.

Evergas IT Manager, Poul Rævdal, commented “Regulations provide a good starting point, but it is important from our perspective to go above and beyond the guidelines, and Inmarsat’s comprehensive Fleet Secure solution facilitates a proactive approach to network security. Being able to unify the separate parts of our network security into a single solution and deal primarily with one supplier allows our IT team to focus on optimising the day-to-day support given to our ships and systems.”

Continuous development in seafarer training represented another key bulwark in shipping’s cyber security defenses. Inmarsat’s Fleet Secure Cyber Awareness training programme contains everything the crew needs to know to be aware of vulnerabilities and suspicious online behaviour with best practice guidance this training module is offered free to all Fleet Secure Endpoint users.

Effective cyber risk management must consider multiple assailants and diverse lines of attack – targeted and random. Threat actors make continuous efforts to update strategies, by developing malicious coding, seeking out vulnerabilities in hardware and software, and by responding to human behaviour. Only by being proactive can shipping stay ahead of the cybercriminals.

Press Release

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

U.S Navy And The Philippines Begin Joint Naval Drills In South China Sea Amidst Tensions With China

Posted on October 3, 2023

In a show of force against China amid ever growing tensions in the much-disputed waterway, defense allies the Philippines and the US started conducting combined naval activities on Monday.

Captain Of Cargo Ship Carrying €157million Worth Of Cocaine Appears In Wexford Court

Posted on October 3, 2023

The ship captain of the MV Matthew got a bail rejection after he appeared at the court on being charged over the €157 million cocaine seizure off the country’s south coast.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Warships Arrive At Port Klang, Malaysia

Posted on October 3, 2023

As part of the Indian Navy’s log-range deployment in Southeast Asia, the vessels of the First Training Squadron (1TS)-ICGS Sarathi, INS Tir, and INS Sujata are visiting Malaysia’s Port Klang.

Environmental Groups Demand Rules To Protect The North Atlantic Right Whale From Ship Collisions

Posted on October 3, 2023

A coalition of environmental groups has been calling on the country’s federal government to have in place emergency rules to safeguard a fast-vanishing species of whale from collisions with large vessels.

U.S Navy And Lockheed Martin Fire Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile With A 4000 NM Range

Posted on October 3, 2023

The Fleet Ballistic Missile — One Trident II D5 Life Extension, was successfully launched on 27 September by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy, off the coast of California.