Safeguarding Digital Seas: Maritime Cybersecurity Essentials Training Course

Introduction

As the maritime industry rapidly embraces digitalization and smart technologies, vessels, ports, and shore-based operations are becoming increasingly interconnected and reliant on complex IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems. This digital transformation, while offering immense benefits in efficiency and automation, simultaneously introduces a new frontier of vulnerabilities to cyber threats. A successful cyber-attack can lead to severe consequences, including navigational disruptions, data breaches, cargo theft, environmental damage, and even loss of life, making robust cybersecurity measures an absolute imperative for every maritime stakeholder.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of maritime cybersecurity essentials. From exploring the unique cyber threat landscape facing the industry and understanding common attack vectors to mastering risk assessment, incident response, and the implementation of protective measures, you will gain the expertise to safeguard critical maritime assets and data. This empowers you to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, ensure compliance with international guidelines, and foster a strong cybersecurity culture across your organization, protecting against the ever-evolving digital dangers at sea and ashore.

Target Audience

  • Ship Owners, Operators, and Managers.
  • IT and OT Professionals in Maritime Companies.
  • Marine Engineers and Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs).
  • Deck Officers (Masters, Chief Mates).
  • Technical Superintendents and Fleet Managers.
  • Port and Terminal IT/OT Personnel.
  • Maritime Security Officers and Compliance Managers.
  • Cybersecurity Consultants specializing in maritime.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

  • Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the unique cyber threat landscape and common attack vectors in the maritime industry.
  • Grasp the distinctions between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in a maritime context.
  • Analyze the key cybersecurity risks to shipboard systems, port operations, and shore-based infrastructure.
  • Comprehend the relevant international regulations and guidelines for maritime cybersecurity.
  • Evaluate methods for conducting cybersecurity risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies.
  • Develop practical skills in implementing basic cybersecurity controls and incident response procedures.
  • Navigate the human element in cybersecurity and foster a security-aware culture.
  • Formulate robust strategies for building cyber resilience and ensuring continuous cybersecurity improvement.

Course Content

Introduction to Maritime Cybersecurity

  • Digitalization in Maritime : benefits and associated cyber risks
  • The Maritime Cyber Threat Landscape : common threats, actors (state-sponsored, criminal, hacktivists), motivations
  • Impact of Cyber Incidents : safety, environmental, financial, reputational consequences
  • IT vs. OT in Maritime : understanding the differences and interdependencies of information technology and operational technology
  • The critical need for robust cybersecurity in the maritime domain

Understanding Maritime Systems and Vulnerabilities

  • Shipboard IT Systems : navigation (ECDIS, GNSS), communication, administrative networks, crew welfare systems
  • Shipboard OT Systems : propulsion control, power management, cargo handling, ballast water management, steering gear
  • Port and Terminal Systems : cargo handling automation, gate systems, VTS, port community systems
  • Shore-Based Infrastructure : fleet management, ERP, data centers, cloud services
  • Identifying common vulnerabilities and entry points for cyber-attacks

Cyber Attack Vectors and Techniques

  • Phishing and Social Engineering : human-centric attacks, awareness training
  • Malware and Ransomware : types of malicious software, infection vectors, impact
  • Denial of of Service (DoS/DDoS) Attacks : disrupting system availability
  • Insider Threats : malicious or unintentional actions by authorized personnel
  • Supply Chain Attacks : vulnerabilities introduced through third-party vendors and software

International Regulations and Guidelines

  • IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) on Maritime Cyber Risk Management : mandatory compliance from 2021
  • ISM Code and Cyber Risk Management : integrating cyber risk into the Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships (BIMCO, ICS, IACS, etc.) : industry best practices
  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework : identify, protect, detect, respond, recover
  • Other relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR for data privacy, NIS Directive for critical infrastructure)

Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Management

  • Principles of Cyber Risk Assessment : identifying assets, threats, vulnerabilities, likelihood, impact
  • Methodologies for Risk Assessment : qualitative vs. quantitative approaches
  • Developing a Cyber Risk Register : documenting identified risks
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies : technical, procedural, human measures
  • Continuous monitoring and review of cyber risks

Cybersecurity Controls and Best Practices

  • Network Segmentation and Firewalls : isolating critical systems
  • Access Control and Authentication : strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, least privilege
  • Patch Management and Software Updates : keeping systems secure
  • Antivirus and Endpoint Protection : protecting individual devices
  • Data Backup and Recovery : ensuring business continuity after an attack

Incident Response and Recovery

  • Cyber Incident Response Plan (CIRP) : preparation, detection & analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, post-incident activity
  • Roles and Responsibilities in Incident Response : internal team, external experts
  • Forensics and Evidence Collection : preserving data for analysis
  • Communication During an Incident : internal and external stakeholders
  • Learning from cyber incidents and improving resilience

Human Element in Cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity Awareness Training : educating personnel about threats and safe practices
  • Phishing Simulation and Testing : assessing human vulnerability
  • Insider Threat Mitigation : policies, monitoring, cultural factors
  • Role of Leadership in Cybersecurity Culture : top-down commitment
  • Building a strong "human firewall" against cyber threats

Supply Chain Cybersecurity

  • Vulnerabilities in the Maritime Supply Chain : software, hardware, services from third parties
  • Due Diligence for Vendors and Partners : assessing cybersecurity posture of suppliers
  • Contractual Requirements for Cybersecurity : including cybersecurity clauses in agreements
  • Managing Third-Party Risks : monitoring, audits
  • Protecting the extended maritime ecosystem from supply chain attacks

Future Trends and Emerging Threats

  • Threats to Autonomous Systems : specific vulnerabilities of uncrewed vessels
  • AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity : for threat detection and response
  • Quantum Computing and Cryptography : future implications for encryption
  • Regulatory Evolution : adapting to new international and national cybersecurity mandates
  • The continuous challenge of staying ahead of evolving cyber threats in the maritime domain.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Safeguarding Digital Seas: Maritime Cybersecurity Essentials Training Course in Singapore
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