Risk expert: Maersk cyberattack ‘final straw’ to protect public
In the wake of the June 27 cyberattack on Dutch shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, any vessel operator that isn’t seriously assessing and taking steps to minimize security risks is being reckless, according to a maritime industry cybersecurity expert.
The Petya ransomware attack on Maersk and other companies’ computer systems was “the final straw” for waking up operators of all sizes to the cyber risks they face, said Dean Shoultz, chief technology officer for MarineCFO Inc., a Houma, La.-based compliance and risk management specialist.
“It’s no longer OK to say, ‘we’re talking about it.’ The time is here. Now. What happens if ransomware takes down your software and your navigation system goes down and you run aground and a life is lost?” Shoultz said. “If a hacker truly wanted to create damage, they could do it at the right moment in time. From a legal standpoint, not taking steps to protect the public is reckless and opening yourself up to indefensible lawsuits.”
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, was forced to reroute ships to alternate destinations after its information technology systems were targeted by hackers. The company was unable to dock and unload containers at some of the 76 ports where it operates, and it was forced to suspend its main platforms for taking orders for six days. Other prominent companies also were targeted, among them WPP and FedEx.
Some vessel operators have started taking cyberthreats more seriously in the past few years and improvements have been percolating, but far more action is required for an industry that has unique — and growing — security risks.
This story is from the October November 2017 edition of Professional Mariner.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October November 2017 edition of Professional Mariner.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mariner's role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Mariners’ role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Piracy edges closer to home with wave of raids in southern Gulf
In the brief cellphone video recorded by a crewmember on the offshore supply vessel (OSV) Remas, the pirates walk back and forth on the deck of the ship, clenching their guns and using them to point as they order around the crew. Their faces are draped in clothing and bandanas.
Casualties
NTSB: Dredge hit Texas gas pipeline, causing fire that killed four
IMO emissions report raises new concerns about methane slip
A recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that global shipping emissions increased nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2018, with the industry facing a growing challenge concerning methane slip.
Bay State brothers find industry niche by making old into new
Zero non-conformities is what you want to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard inspects your tugboat. Once you’ve prepared your vessel, the inspectors come aboard to peruse your paperwork. They ask you pointed questions, to which they expect straightforward answers. Perusal completed, they then scrutinize all of the related safety systems, from bilge to antennas — even the ship’s bell.
Signals
A year into the pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships
Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover
While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles placed too high on the ship’s decks, and not enough ballast water gave the placement of the cargo.
Seastreak newcomer pushing through dip in demand
Two years ago, Seastreak LLC took delivery of Seastreak Commodore, a 600-passenger fast ferry, from Gulf Craft of Franklin, La. Designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther, the vessel is the largest of its kind in the United States and was built to meet the burgeoning demand for service in the New York-New Jersey market.
New year in a new world: Navigating COVID's maritime realities
In a matter of days, the decorative time balls will drop, “Auld Lang Syne” will fill the air, and ships at anchor will sound their horns as the world welcomes in the new year.
Advanced props, rudders provide new efficiencies below the waterline
It took a decade or two from the invention of the marine propeller in the 19th century for the technology to become widely accepted. Thereafter, adoption has been nearly universal, but progress toward improved efficiencies has come in fits and starts.
