MPA Singapore inaugurated a new 24/7 Maritime Cyber security Operations Centre (MSOC) Thursday, aiming to boost Singapore’s maritime cyber security posture through early detection and response to potential cyber-attacks on maritime Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). The MSOC will be operated by ST Engineering in its Hub.
Namely, MSOC will conduct 24/7 monitoring and correlate data activities across all maritime Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), with the aim to
- detect and monitor cyber-attacks by analysing activities in the IT environment;
- detect anomalies and threats; and
- respond to the cybersecurity incidents using available technology solutions.
MPA will also build key data linkages between MSOC and Port Operations Control Centre in order to respond to cyber incidents in a more timely manner.
Cyber threats come in many forms and have been rising steadily across the globe. As the world’s busiest transhipment hub, it is important that we safeguard our maritime and port critical infrastructure to prevent a major disruption to port operations and delivery of services,
…stated Mr Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman of MPA Singapore, on the occasion of the Center opening.
MPA has also put in place other initiatives to strengthen the cyber security readiness of the maritime sector.
For example, it has has collaborated with Singapore Shipping Association and Singapore Polytechnic to develop a new “Maritime Cyber security (Intermediate) Training Course” for maritime personnel to enhance their knowledge in managing cyber threats. This new course will be rolled out in first half of next year.
MPA has also collaborated with the Singapore Maritime Institute and local institutes of higher learning to embark on a Maritime Cyber security Research programme.
This programme will focus on the protection of shipboard systems to mitigate cyber threats with the growing digitalisation onboard.
MPA will build on the existing Port Authorities Roundtable initiative, as well as with other partner networks, an information-sharing network with other port authorities.
The network seeks to foster efforts across port authorities to step up the sharing of intelligence relating to maritime cyber security.
