VIRSEC Cyber Security Strategy for Vessels

Worldwide incidents of Cyber Attack on shipping are rising dramatically every year, and vessel vulnerability to these attacks is also on the increase - as systems become more and more automated and connected. Whether carrying cargo, passengers or vehicles, ships are becoming more dependent on the use of digital and communications technologies throughout their operational lifespans. As shipping systems become more and more complex, so does their vulnerability to attacks from cyber criminals, who have demonstrated the ability to penetrate the systems used by the maritime industry, with potentially disastrous consequences to life, property, and the environment.

The ‘Cyber Security Awareness for Vessels' course examines the Cyber Security threats that exist, both generally and specifically within the maritime environment. The course examines the weaknesses that there may be in ship IT and OT systems, and how they may be exploited - and then goes on to look at the measures that can be taken to mitigate and defend against these types of threats.