The Port of Amsterdam has announced the launch of a “Cybersecurity Programme” to increase the port community's “digital resilience” and defend against the threat of cyber-attacks.
According to a statement, ports are especially vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to the wide range of information systems and data they manage.
In order to protect themselves, ports are urged to have basic cybersecurity controls in place, such as an awareness programme, segregation of networks, timely installations of security updates and a multi-layered security approach.
Adam Brown explores the difficulties of maritime cybersecurity in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Amsterdam is now seeking the proactive involvement of companies in its port area for a joint-effort to strengthen the community’s cybersecurity measures.
The programme to be introduced consists of two elements; a hotline that can be contacted when a situation affecting the port region occurs, and the CYREN (Cyber Resilient North Sea Canal Area) network, which collects information about threats and shares this with the affiliated companies.
CYREN has been recognised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy through the Digital Trust Center, and several organizations are already contributing to development of the network.
Is jouw bedrijf #cyberweerbaar? Met het CYREN-netwerk ben je als één van de eersten op de hoogte van cyberverslaggeving rondom het #Noordzeekanaalgebied. CYREN maakt deel uit van ons Cyber Security Programma. Aanmelden voor CYREN kan via onze website: https://t.co/0w1mqXPZi7 pic.twitter.com/OKOMJgPAlt
— Port of Amsterdam (@PortofAmsterdam) January 24, 2019
Marleen van de Kerkhof, Harbour Master of Port of Amsterdam and initiator of the Cybersecurity Programme, said: “Data flows and chains are increasingly being linked together and made available to a broad public on the Internet.
“This offers both opportunities and substantial challenges for information security. An attack on a customer's or supplier's information system not only impacts the company, but can often also affect all other companies in its surroundings and disrupt shipping operations: cyber incidents are not limited by physical boundaries.
“Rapidly sharing the latest information about threats, incidents and perspectives for action increases the cyber resilience of the entire port region.”
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