Capt M.Segar, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations), MPA Singapore, referred to the current maritime cyber security threats and actions taken by MPA to create further awareness, during his keynote address, at Maritime Security Conference in Singapore, November 1st. He stresssed that innovations and technology development in the industry have led to security gaps in the maritime cyberspace thus cyber security is now more important than ever.
Regarding Singapore, he said that the country is not immune to cyber threats however the Government is acutely aware of today’s cyber threats and has taken decisive steps to address the issue. A Singapore’s Cybersecurity Strategy has been recently launched which outlines how Singapore will continue to strengthen the resilience of country’s cyber security towards ‘smart era’. This will be through four broad strategies :
- strengthening critical information infrastructures
- creating greater awareness amongst businesses and communities
- developing a vibrant cyber security ecosystem and
- fostering strong international partnerships
He mentioned cyber piracy, which makes use of ransomware, is a highly emerging threat in which the malware can encrypt and deny user access to their files residing in their computers unless a ransom is paid. This can be employed by hackers to target shipping companies and encrypt their data files such that these companies are unable to access information for business operations unless the ransom is paid.
”The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been taking proactive steps to tackle these growing cyber security threats. We believe in the need to engage the industry in regular dialogue so together, we can implement the right solutions and identify the potential risk points.MPA has formed a Maritime Cyber Security Network (MCSN in short) consisting of members from key maritime stakeholders from port terminal operators as well as cruise terminal operators. The network meets regularly to address cyber security issues and explores ways to strengthen critical information infrastructure.
The solution to cyber threats is a multi-layered one requiring the effort of the entire industry. Two weeks ago, MPA had conducted our inaugural Maritime Cyber Security Table Top Exercise participated by the MCSN to validate and assess the readiness of the sector’s incident response processes and procedures to cyber incidents. ”, Capt Segar said referring to MPA’s cyber security efforts in the port sector.
