Subex, a provider of Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity solutions, and SkyLab, a specialist in 5G Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and Industrial IoT have announced a partnership to offer IoT and OT cybersecurity solutions and services to the maritime sector.
According to Subex’s research, shipping companies around the globe were attacked almost 1.5 million times in the last 30 days. Of these, over 64,000 attacks were highly sophisticated and carried out using complex malware and breach tactics. Social engineering, deception, and traffic manipulation were all used to create breaches and enable intrusion into core and peripheral infrastructure.
Targets for these attacks include datacenters, command and control infrastructure, navigation systems, power, and life support systems among others. The increase in volume also increases the chances of a successful breach. Thus, the industry continues to be at risk.
In addition to the rising threat to maritime infrastructure, there is also the secondary threat of potentially significant losses caused by the loss of shipping days, delays in transit of goods, damage to critical infrastructure, loss of either customer or commercially sensitive data and ransom demands. In one incident off the coast of the United States, hackers tried to take over the navigation systems of a ship and ram the vessel into a port. It was with much difficulty that the crew was able to gain control and prevent a catastrophe.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships, has also recognized the importance and urgency required to tackle the challenges posed by cybersecurity risks. IMO has issued MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management and adopted resolution MSC.428(98) encouraging administrations to ensure that cyber risks are appropriately addressed in existing safety management systems before the first annual verification of the company’s Document of Compliance after January 1 2021.
Through their partnership, Subex and SkyLab will be jointly offering cybersecurity solutions and services including Security Operations Center services to improve overall maritime cybersecurity posture and cyber–resilience.
