For the past six months seaports have been in the news. The stories range from supply-chain disruptions, large numbers of ships waiting to offload their containers, and most recently, a ransomware attack on at least 17 European oil port terminals. Obviously, the news is affecting the day-to-day management of seaports and just adds to the list of “to-dos” for Port leaders and their management teams. This article is intended to offer a high-level introduction to the cybersecurity attack surface offered by today’s modern seaports with some ideas on ways to better prepare your port for future cyber threats and attacks.…
Do you have a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)? Do you remember the days when you didn’t need to give 24 hours’ notice before your ship could enter a U.S. port? Well, these and several other improvements to port security were brought to you by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) in 2002 in response to the attacks of 9/11. Background Following 9/11, Congress first focused on aviation security. Shortly afterwards, lawmakers began to work on new laws and regulations on maritime and port protections. Hence, the MTSA was established by the federal government, and signed into law by President…
When I used to drive U.S. Navy ships we would hear a cliché: “A collision at sea can ruin your whole day!” Well, that adage can also apply to a ransomware attack on your ship or port. Cyber-attacks on the maritime sector are on the rise and ransomware attacks have tripled in the past few years. Now is a time to learn more about ransomware and the threat it poses to you, your port and your company. What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a form of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a computer or digital device rendering any files…
Besides the impact of COVID19, the news of 2021 has been full of headlines regarding cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. For instance, you’ve probably heard about the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack or the attack on the JBS meat processing plant; however, are you aware that the maritime sector is also under cyber-attack? For instance, as of July 2020, cyber-attacks on the maritime industry have increased by 900% in three years according to cyber defense solutions provider Naval Dome. Basically, threats to maritime computer systems are on the rise, and are here to stay. As such, this magazine has asked me…