Inmarsat Maritime Urges Strengthened Cyber Defences in New White Paper
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has released a white paper calling on maritime organizations to enhance their cyber defences amid the industry’s increasing adoption of connected technologies for digitalisation, decarbonisation, and crew welfare.
The white paper, developed in collaboration with ClassNK, a leading classification society and member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), delves into the new unified requirements (URs) for cyber security set by IACS. Titled IACS Unified Requirements E26 and E27 – Beyond Compliance, the document outlines the steps necessary to meet these upcoming standards.
Effective from 1 July 2024, the E26 and E27 URs will establish minimum cyber-resilience capabilities for newbuild vessels and their connected systems. While these requirements will ensure full visibility of a vessel’s computer assets and network infrastructure, the white paper highlights the need for more comprehensive risk assessments and enhanced cyber-security policies and procedures.
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Makiko Tani, Deputy Manager of Cyber Security for ClassNK, emphasized the importance of a risk-based approach to cyber security. “Best practice in addressing cyber-security requirements involves implementing cyber-risk controls after a thorough risk assessment, balancing people, processes, and technology. The human aspect is crucial, fostering cyber hygiene through training and defining clear roles and responsibilities. Cyber-risk controls should align with the organization’s established cybersecurity policy,” Tani stated. “ClassNK collaborates with industry leaders to streamline cyber-risk controls and integrate cybersecurity policy with governance strategies, building cyber-resilient organizations.”
Laurie Eve, Chief of Staff at Inmarsat Maritime, commented: “Inmarsat Fleet Secure aids ship owners, operators, and managers in complying with cyber-security regulations, including the new IACS URs, while enhancing three key areas: people and culture, network-connected systems and services, and incident-response plans. Implemented as part of a holistic, risk-based approach, it embeds cyber security within connectivity strategies to protect assets and people from online threats.”
Inmarsat’s Fleet Secure portfolio supports maritime organizations in meeting cyber security regulations, including the new IACS URs. The portfolio includes Fleet Secure Endpoint, Fleet Secure Unified Threat Management, and Cyber Awareness Training, designed to proactively address potential cyber threats and available to Fleet Xpress customers.
Source: cyprusshippingnews.com
