In the latest issue of its Phish and Ships newsletter, Be Cyber Aware at Sea campaign argues on how the wave of new technologies in the cruise industry could pose a risk at cruise passengers’ personal data.
As explained, rising passenger numbers on cruise ships have resulted in the introduction of new technologies and the internet of things (IOT) which makes the journey more engaging and personalised. What is great for passengers is the fact that new technology means that every facet of the ship is digital, from the dinner reservations to locating people on the ship.
However, there is a flip side, and with thousands of people’s information available cruise line digitisation makes them a target for hackers.
Email phishing can be used to implant a virus on to a ship, just as easily as one of the thousands of passengers on board opening an email or uploading a USB drive that is infected to provide an attacker access to the internal systems. Cruise liners are reliant on the interconnectivity of IT systems and operational technology to create a digital environment to manage the successful delivery of a holiday to every passenger. Which means the cruise industry is far more likely to have the data of its passengers taken advantage of.
A new report by Ian Richardson CEO and Co-Founder of TheICEway and Patrick Carolan Technical Director for CRIBB Cyber Security, has indicated that if a passenger’s data, such as a bank card or personal information, has been uploaded onto the online shipboard systems, (which would be used to make their stay more personalised and automated), then their details can be infiltrated and they could become the victim of fraud.
Cruises are increasingly popular, but this will quickly diminish if passengers feel unsafe. It is apparent that the time to define a clear and secure strategy relating to cyber security is paramount to maintaining confidence in the cruise industry from its customers. With the developments of cruise ships as “floating digital worlds” of their own, it is crucial for the safety and integrity of the industry and it passengers that cruise lines start recognising and understanding the increasing threats and what the outcomes could be.
Explore more herebelow:
