Tag: cyber security

   Business leaders and experts from across the global maritime community met at Nor-Shipping Conference to focus on the future of shipping – the industry that holds world trade together. Delegates turned up to listen to the hard-hitting discussions that looked to, among other things, innovation, investment and transformative technology. Global geopolitical and economic scenarios were also debated. After the attendees stood up to welcome His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, they were treated to a short piece of music by acclaimed violinist Charlie Siem, son of Norwegian shipping magnate Kristian Siem. Sturla Henriksen, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, then welcomed delegates with an inspiring speech on the shipping industry, which he said “contributes vitally to global economic growth and prosperity.” “This industry is key to a sustainable global economic welfare. Carrying 90% of world trade, it represents less than 3% of global CO2 emissions. That makes this industry the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation. So shipping is part of the solution.” New Norwegian maritime strategyIn her opening address, Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg referred to her government’s newly announced national maritime strategy, saying that the the Norwegian government wanted to establish a forward-looking framework for the ...

New technologies have opened up new opportunities for the criminals; shipping is now entering the age of cyber crime

The Phantom Menace report issued by Panda Security Panda Security has released Operation Oil Tanker: The Phantom Menace, a groundbreaking report that details a malicious and largely unknown targeted attack on oil tankers. First discovered by Panda Security in January 2014, the ongoing attack on oil cargos began in August 2013, and is designed to steal information and credentials for defrauding oil brokers. Despite having been comprised by this cyber-attack, which Panda has dubbed The Phantom Menace, none of the dozens of affected companies have been willing to report the invasion and risk global attention for vulnerabilities in their IT security networks. Panda Security is issuing its report in an effort to draw attention to the attack and urge companies in every industry to take precautions against these increasingly sophisticated and insidious attacks.The Phantom Menace is one of the most unique attacks that PandaLabs has discovered No antivirus engine was able to detect it when first triggered, primarily because the attackers used legitimate tools in conjunction with a number of self-made scripts to bypass any warnings that traditional AV software would detect. It was only discovered when a secretary opened a nonspecific attachment to an email a type of file ...

Cyber security firms seeing new threats targeting oil tankers

Lloyds Register Energy develops initiative to help protect the American oil and gas industry from cyber attacks

Developing standards and guidelines to address the cyber security issues It has been announced that the Round Table of international shipping associations (RT) comprising BIMCO, ICS, Intercargo and INTERTANKO are developing standards and guidelines to address the major cyber security issues faced by the shipping industry.Protection against malicious attacks on computer based systems onboard ships is now hitting the top of the agenda for shipping organisations in all corners of the world. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has already heard calls for action and the insurance industry repeatedly lists the issue as one for concern. The Round Table has made a submission to the IMO on this vital issue outlining the steps taken by the industry to address any vulnerabilities.The vulnerabilities can be numerous and the threats imminent - the question of protection is a complex set of issues and not just about operating a firewall on a ship or installing virus scanning software on the onboard computers. All of the major systems on a modern ship are controlled and monitored by software; these include the main engine, steering and navigation systems, and the ballast water and cargo handling equipment.To address this problem and help the industry to protect itself ...

Europol report highlights key crime trends

Integrated and networked solutions provide a larger target for cyber threats Ships and offshore structures are increasingly dependent on programmable control systems. These integrated and networked solutions provide an ever-larger target for cyber threats. Cybersecurity in the maritime and offshore industry was also up for discussion at this year's CMA Shipping event during a session with the US Coast Guard, ship owners and class representatives.In the past, critical network segments onboard vessels used to be kept isolated. This has changed a lot recently. "Ships and offshore structures are becoming more and more interconnected," said Tor E. Svensen, CEO DNV GL - Maritime, when taking the stage at this year's CMA (Connecticut Maritime Association) event in Stamford, CT. "In theory, all programmable components may be exposed to cyber threats, be it machinery, navigation or communication systems.""This is a weak spot," says Svensen. "There are many ways something can go wrong with the systems or software - be it caused by technical or human error, or cyber criminals." According to Svensen, cyber-attacks pose an additional risk of someone with evil intent exploiting already existing vulnerabilities. The industry has seen its first cyber events, e.g. the manipulation of AIS, ECDIS and GPS data. ...

The IMO's Committee on Maritime Safety (MSC) held its 94th Session (MSC 94)

CyberKeel has just released a whitepaper analysing the current status of cyber risks and cyber security in the industry