TelestackPort of South LouisianaTMS Awards 2023Geneva DrySailors SocietyVan Aalst
  • Van Aalst
  • Sailors Society
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Telestack
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana

Inmarsat report offers cyber-risk guidance amid escalating threats

Inmarsat report offers cyber-risk guidance amid escalating threats

(Posted on 25/07/22)

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. [1]

“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.

Latest News

ESL to sell Supramaxes

(Posted on 25/03/24)

ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more


Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035

(Posted on 25/03/24)

New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more


Swedish Club delivers firm foundation for future growth

(Posted on 25/03/24)

The Swedish Club reported positive results for 2023, combined with an emphasis on supporting its members... Read more


DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China

(Posted on 18/03/24)

DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more


ClassNK notation for improvements in living and working environment

(Posted on 18/03/24)

ClassNK has granted its “ELW” (Excellent Living and Working Environment) notation to &ldquo... Read more


Boers: crews' health should not be sacrificed while at out sea

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Leading crew change specialist Boers Crew Services says the industry should be collaborating more to... Read more


Wärtsilä simulator technology for Sharjah Maritime Academy

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Technology group Wärtsilä has supplied its latest simulator technology to the prestigious... Read more


ASL rebrands as Adhira Shipping and Logistics and expands range of logistics services

(Posted on 10/03/24)

Adhira Shipping and Logistics (ASL) has launched an integrated suite of logistics and transportation... Read more


Attack on MV True Confidence – INTERCARGO statement

(Posted on 10/03/24)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) had joined shipping industry associations... Read more


Diverse Algoma fleet contributes to revenue growth

(Posted on 29/02/24)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the year ended December 31, 2023. Algoma reported... Read more


Port of StocktonTBA GroupBühler GmbHCimbriaVigan
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton
  • Geneva Dry
  • Vigan
  • TBA Group

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping