Cyber security is becoming an increasing concern for the maritime sector, with a growing number of cyber incidents and greater integration of automated systems into vessels
Due to this increased focus within the sector, a number of maritime governing bodies have released guidelines and requirements for practising effective maritime cyber security.
It is critical that maritime organisations follow these guidelines to protect their operations and continue operating as legislation comes into effect.
At Neptune Cyber we provide no-nonsense advice and guidelines on how to improve your cyber security and meet the recommendations of these governing bodies.
The IMO is a United Nations agency which is dedicated to providing recommendations and guidance on maritime practices to member states. While the IMO does not have any enforcement powers, their recommendations are often used as the baseline for legislation or guidelines from other bodies. This can include requirements to operate in membership nations or when applying for insurance coverage.
The IMO has published the International Safety Management (ISM) Code which sets a framework for the safe management and operation of vessels, including their cyber security setup. More specifically, the IMO has also published their Cyber Risk Guide to assist in recognising cyber security risks and improving security – you can find our guidelines on following this guide here.
ENISA is an EU agency which sets guidelines, frameworks and requirements for cyber security in many different industries, including maritime operations.
ENISA has published a number of works dedicated to the maritime sector specifically, including cyber risk management guidelines and best practices for cyber security in ports. They have also published the NIS Directive on cyber security, which sets minimum standards for the safe operation of essential services, including maritime operations.
The EMSA is an EU agency dedicated to maintaining the safe operation of maritime organisations in Europe. Their remit covers a wide range of different areas of maritime safety, from managing pollution, investigating accidents and preventing security incidents.
The EMSA provides a number of resources dedicated to cyber security, including training, courses and qualifications.
BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association and provides much of the industry standards for operation.
As with the other governing bodies, BIMCO has produced frameworks and guidelines for good cyber security practices onboard vessels. These guidelines are also under frequent review to ensure that they are up-to-date with current cyber risks within the industry.
BIMCO has also published a swathe of other guidance and commentary on maritime cyber security practices, which you can find here.
Meeting the cyber security requirements and guidelines of the different maritime governing agencies can be a daunting prospect, especially as most maritime operators are not experts in cyber security.
Neptune Cyber provides easy to understand, no-nonsense guidance to ensure that you are meeting these guidelines and best practices. We provide a range of maritime cyber security services to evaluate your current performance, identify weaknesses and strengthen your defences in line with international standards.
To find out more about the type of services that we offer, or if you have any concerns about the cyber security of your vessels, please get in touch with our team today.
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