On the sidelines of its Maritime Cyber Security Seminar this week, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced that it is to establish a new cyber security facility later in 2018, in order to better protect critical infrastructure.
As explained, one of the key focal areas that MPA will drive as sector lead for maritime cyber security is the protection of Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs). To this end, MPA will establish a 24/7 Maritime Cybersecurity Operation Centre, by the third quarter of this year, to further augment capabilities for early detection, monitoring, analysis and response to potential cyber attacks.
At the seminar, Mr Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman of MPA and Guest-of-Honour, emphasised the importance of strong networks in mitigating cyber risks. He also pledged MPA’s continued support towards awareness building and capability development to help the industry boost its cyber resilience. Mr Niam noted:
Cyber security today has vaulted to the forefront as a key challenge that the maritime industry must take seriously and view as a business priority. We need to move beyond awareness towards action. This means investing in necessary measures, be it system enhancements, process changes or people development to be cyber resilient.
MPA said more details on this initiative will be announced subsequently.