US Tugboat cyber-attack: the experts respond

US Tugboat cyber-attack: the experts respond
Ilaria Grasso Macola 22 September 2020

The recent attack on a US tugboat has highlighted the increase of cyberattacks in the maritime sector. We spoke to three cybersecurity experts to find out what the industry can do to shield itself.

Cybercriminals are infiltrating the maritime sector, carrying out increasing attacks not only on shipping systems but also on vessels.

Last week, tug owners were warned to be vigilant for cyberattacks and malware, after a US tug was targeted. The attack was carried out through a phishing email with a voicemail-themed attachment, spoofing the tug’s operator.

The incident, the first one to ever involve a tug, was reported to the US Maritime Transportation System and Information Sharing and Research Analysis Centre (MTS-ISAC), a maritime cybersecurity organisation.

As towage vessels rely more on online services to function properly, their vulnerability to cyber threats increases. But what can towage vessel (and the general maritime industry) operators do to shield themselves from attacks?

more....https://www.ship-technology.com/features/cyber-attacks-in-the-maritime-s...