The maritime industry accounts for the movement of 90% of world trade, making it very attractive for cyber criminals. Over the past three years cyber-attacks on shipping have increased by 900%.
The digitisation of the maritime sector and the development of autonomous vessels means the cyber security risk to shipping is likely to increase and few vessels are sufficiently prepared for an attack, despite the 2020 Safety at Sea and BIMCO Maritime Cyber Security survey reporting that despite most respondents do see cyber-attacks as a significant risk.
Developed by IASME and supported by The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the IASME Maritime Cyber Baseline scheme launching today will help shipping operators and vessel owners to improve their cyber security and align with the IMO Maritime Cyber Risk Management guidelines.
The scheme is open to vessels of all sizes and classifications, including yachts, commercial, passenger ships and merchant vessels. It provides an affordable and practical way for operators and owners to improve their cyber security to counter emerging threats and to reduce the likelihood of a cyber-attack disrupting their day-to-day operations. The scheme has been developed in partnership with maritime experts Infosec Partners.
The IASME Maritime Cyber Baseline scheme enables shipping operators and vessel owners to reassure supply chain partners, passengers, flag and port authorities that a vessel has the suitable cyber security controls and processes in place. They can demonstrate compliance through an IASME Maritime Cyber Baseline digital certificate that can be displayed onboard a vessel and in any business communications.
Chris Boyd, Chief Executive of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, said: “The Royal Institution of Naval Architects are delighted to be supporting IASME’s new maritime cyber security scheme and recognise it as an effective way for operators and owners to improve the security of their vessels.
“The maritime sector is a vital part of the global economy; RINA and its members play a key part in ensuring the vessels are secure throughout their lifecycle. We encourage all those involved in the sector to look at IASME Maritime Cyber Baseline as a practical way to reduce the disruptive impact of cyber-attacks.”
Dr Emma Philpott MBE, CEO of IASME said: “We are really excited to be tackling the difficult issue of cyber security within shipping with our new Maritime Cyber Baseline scheme.
“IASME has revolutionised the approach to cyber security within businesses through our IASME Governance certification and most recently has worked with the Civil Aviation Authority to deliver their cyber security audit scheme for the aviation sector. We look forward to getting directly involved with shipping operators and owners to improve their security and get them certified to the new scheme”
