Peter Broadhurst: Inmarsat Backs New Campaign to Protect Ships, Mariners From Cyber Threats

Inmarsat supports a maritime and offshore industry-led global campaign that aims to protect marine vessels and crewmembers against the threat of cyber attacks.

The Be Cyber Aware at Sea effort seeks to address cyber risks that face international shipping, ports and offshore operations through cyber awareness programs in the private sector, Inmarsat said Wednesday.

The initiative offers training courses to seafarers and facilitate the sharing of research data, best practices and educational articles.

“As part of Inmarsat’s initiatives to help safeguard vessels and mariners from cyber attack, we’re excited to actively support the Be Cyber Aware At Sea campaign to collectively raise awareness and data security standards at sea,” said Peter Broadhurst, senior vice president for safety and security at Inmarsat’s maritime business.

“Risks from malicious attacks and unlawful access to a ship’s intelligence, its system infrastructure and networks cannot be ignored, and the shipping industry needs to take action,” Broadhurst added.

Inmarsat noted that more than 90 percent of world trade relies on sea and technology and that cyber threat at sea presents security, safety and financial threats to shipping and offshore operations.