Maritime Cyber Risk - Closer Than How We Anticipated
In the current era of advancement in digitalization, there is an increase in the hazard of the digital safety as well. We all are now aware of the cyber threats through various channels, but have we done something to protect our assets? Have we assessed our cyber safety measures for its effectiveness? Or are our operating system is already affected by the malware and we are unaware of it?
After establishing the need for adopting cyber hygiene, IMO have issued the guideline MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management & Resolution MSC.428(98) - Maritime Cyber Risk Management in Safety Management Systems on Maritime Cyber Risk Management which would provide high-level recommendations on maritime cyber risk management. The essence of this recommendation is to include safety measures for cyber related risk by identifying risk, assessing the level of risk and mitigating it to the acceptable level.
Some of the Ship Owners and Charterers have already started incorporating cyber safety in their existing ISM system. Where many others are facing the challenge to technically understand the elements of IMO 2021 and implementing in their ISM System.
The fundamental of the new resolution is the modification in risk management system of the organization in order to cover the digitalization, integration and automation of process and system in shipping business. The list of the vulnerabilities mentioned but not limited to as per the IMO guideline includes:
- Bridge system
- Cargo handling and management system
- Propulsion and machinery management and power control system
- Access control system
- Passenger servicing and management system
- Passenger facing public networks
- Administrative and crew welfare system and
- Communication system
Constellation Vulnerability Assessment Auditors with their technical experienced team very well understand the operational aspect of the Marine Industries and hence making the team specialized for cyber risk management in shipping firms. We as constellation team understand importance of the safety and confidentiality of our client's assets and assist them to upgrade their safety against cyber threats.
We, Constellation team are professionally and technically capable of assisting our clients to meet the IMO 2021 requirement and to audit their implemented system for safety compliance.
About the Author
Engr. Fahad Ansari
Part of Constellation Cyber Vulnerability team spreading the Cyber awareness in the Marine Industry and assisting in incorporating the cyber elements in the ISM system of the shipboard management.