Singapore to launch Maritime Cybersecurity Operation Centre in 2018

Source: MPA. The panel, comprising leaders and experts from technology, cyber and maritime security, discussed the issues of the evolving cyberthreat landscape and how to manage this to build business resilience.

More than 250 participants from diverse maritime backgrounds gathered in Singapore for the second Maritime Cyber Security Seminar to discuss the latest developments and measures to strengthen the industry’s resilience against current and emerging cyber risks.

Jointly organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Shipping Association in conjunction with Singapore Maritime Week 2018, the seminar is part of MPA’s efforts to promote greater awareness and knowledge sharing among industry players who grapple with the growing challenges of an evolving cyberthreat landscape. In line with the maritime industry’s digital transformation, the focus of this year’s seminar had the theme Shaping the Future of a Cyber-smart Maritime Industry.

Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman of MPA and Guest-of-Honour, emphasised the importance of strong networks in mitigating cyber risks. He also pledged MPA’s continued support towards awareness building and capability development to help the industry boost its cyber resilience.

MPA announced at the event that will establish a 24x7 Maritime Cybersecurity Operation Centre by the third quarter of this year to further augment capabilities for early detection, monitoring, analysis and response to potential cyber attacks.

“Cybersecurity today has vaulted to the forefront as a key challenge that the maritime industry must take seriously and view as a business priority. We need to move beyond awareness towards action. This means investing in necessary measures, be it system enhancements, process changes or people development to be cyber resilient,” said Niam.