A new interactive infographic summarises the key considerations owners and operators should make when building a cyber security plan.

The Shipowners’ Club infographic is based on the IMO’s recommendation of a cyber security risk management framework based in five functional elements: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover.

‘Identify’ – which systems are vulnerable to attacks, which systems are vital to operations and who is responsible for them.

‘Protect’ – the plan should define measures to prevent attacks from taking place.

‘Detect’ – if an attack does happen, recognising it can mitigate damage

Respond – plan a clear means of getting back up and running as quickly as possible using a second system.

Recover – get the primary system back running and analyse the cause.

Neptune Cyber tool

Neptune Cyber has also launched a new online tool to ensure marine operators stay ahead of new cyber risk regulations that come into force in January 2021.

The ‘MV Neptune Cyber’ ship allows visitors to go on a virtual exploration of a vessel and understand potential cyber risks.

In June 2017, the IMO laid out its ‘Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management’. Shipowners and managers now have until 1 January 2021 to build cyber risk management into their ship safety initiatives – or risk having their ships detained.

Gwilym Lewis, CEO of Neptune Cyber, said: “Our quick-start guide includes clear action steps to help you prepare for the new IMO regulations. Depending on the complexity of your vessel more steps may be needed to adequately protect against cyber attacks.”

By Rebecca Jeffrey