NEWS 10 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk including ship owners, ports, and the entire maritime value chain—are becoming increasingly dependent on connected digital technologies. Key areas where maritime professionals see the greatest opportunities include advanced data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and autonomous operations. However, while the interconnectivity these technologies provide brings new opportunities, it also heightens the sector’s vulnerability to cyber threats. Despite this, maritime professionals are generally confident in the industry’s ability to manage these risks. More than 80% (83%) of those surveyed say their organisation has a strong cyber security posture, and 71% believe their organisation would swiftly return to normal operations following a cyber-attack. A major contributing factor to this confidence is that nearly three-quarters (73%) of maritime professionals report their organisation is increasing cybersecurity spending compared to the previous year. Most also believe that their organisation is wellprepared for potential outcomes such as asset downtime, operational disruption, theft of sensitive data, physical injury or loss of life, and the grounding of a vessel. Despite the increased awareness of cyber risks and growing investment in cybersecurity, there are signs of a false sense of security within the sector. Only 53% of those surveyed are confident their organisation can fully monitor supply chain vulnerabilities, a significant concern given the rise in cyber-attacks targeting supply chains. Additionally, 68% believe their organisation’s IT security is stronger than its operational technology (OT) security—OT systems being those connected to physical assets like sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and those supporting automation, safety, and navigation. Furthermore, 76% say the cyber security training provided by their organisation is insufficient to defend against sophisticated threats. “Organisations may feel they are prepared due to increased resources being deployed to manage cyber risk, but the reality is more complex,” explains Svante Einarsson, Head of Maritime Cybersecurity at DNV Cyber. “Companies must protect both IT and OT systems and be ready to respond quickly should an attack occur.” Maritime professionals’ concerns are heightened by geopolitical tensions and a rise in criminal activity. A particularly concerning trend is the growing risk of ransomware attacks from criminal gangs, with 79% of maritime professionals expressing concern about this threat, up from 56% in 2023. A significant 95% of maritime professionals advocate for greater collaboration on cybersecurity across critical infrastructure industries. “The maritime industry, along with other critical infrastructure sectors, must make substantial progress in openly sharing cyber security experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—in order to collectively create best practice guidelines for security,” says Einarsson.
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