Insight
The Importance of Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Across the Maritime Community
The latest article in our Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) cyber compliance series examines the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the face of growing cyber threats.
Securing the nation’s critical infrastructure in the face of growing cyber threats depends now, more than ever, on collaboration between government and industry. The maritime industry recognizes the importance of this collaboration and is placing greater emphasis on collaborative efforts to bolster its cybersecurity posture.
Cooperation with government agencies, industry partners and cybersecurity vendors is essential for sharing knowledge, threat intelligence and best practices.
Michael DeVolld
Senior Director,
Maritime Cybersecurity
Information Sharing
There are several avenues for information sharing through Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-sponsored public-private partnership groups like Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) and the Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MTS-ISAC). These groups facilitate information sharing while addressing privacy concerns.
Engagement with Coast Guard Cyber Command (CGCYBER):
CGCYBER engages with maritime organizations to identify and disrupt malicious cyber actor (MCA) operations.
Collective Deterrence and Response:
Response agencies such as the US Coast Guard, industry partners and other government stakeholders should work collectively to deter and respond to adversarial threats in cyberspace.
Third-Party Vendor Considerations:
Organizations must recognize the risks of using third-party vendors, understand dependencies on various technologies and have contingencies in place to maintain operations in the event of an attack.
Collaboration with Industry Associations:
Port maritime organizations should actively engage with industry associations and consortiums focused on cybersecurity. Collaborative efforts within these groups result in the development of cybersecurity guidelines, frameworks and best practices tailored to the maritime sector’s unique challenges.
Joint Training and Exercises:
Port authorities and maritime organizations should conduct joint cybersecurity training and exercises with government agencies and industry partners. These simulations help identify vulnerabilities, test incident response capabilities and foster collaboration between stakeholders.
Cybersecurity Vendor Partnerships:
Collaborating with cybersecurity vendors provides port maritime organizations access to cutting-edge tools, threat intelligence feeds and expert consultation. Such partnerships help tailor cybersecurity solutions to meet the industry’s specific needs and keep defenses up to date.
Participation in Cybersecurity Conferences and Workshops:
Port maritime organizations should actively participate in cybersecurity conferences, workshops and seminars. These events offer networking opportunities with industry experts and thought leaders, allowing organizations to stay informed about emerging threats and innovative security measures.
Regulatory Compliance Initiatives:
Collaboration with government agencies involved in cybersecurity regulation and compliance helps to ensure port maritime organizations meet industry-specific cybersecurity standards. Aligning with regulatory requirements improves overall cyber resilience.
Building Greater Operational Resilience and Readiness for Cyber Safety
Over the next two years, vessel owners, operators and port authorities are expected to act on cybersecurity regulations enforced by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to mitigate malicious cyber activity in the nation’s maritime transportation system (MTS).
Importantly, the Coast Guard’s Maritime Cyber Rule elevates cybersecurity to the same level of priority as physical security for MTSA-regulated entities—requiring a plan to detect, respond to and recover from cyber incidents that could threaten maritime transportation security.
ABS Consulting – How We Help
With a team of maritime cyber industry experts, ABS Consulting supports customers in transitioning to comply with new regulations. With experienced industry practitioners and expertise across both maritime and cyber, our team helps customers understand the relationship between operations and system cybersecurity.
As a Forbes World’s Best Management Consulting Firm, ABS Consulting is a trusted advisor backed by more than 50 years of safety and risk management expertise in the maritime sector. We’ll help your organization:
- Manage vendor relationships – our teams facilitate vendor dialogues, enabling asset owners to better manage expectations and processes with vendors to comply with new regulations.
- Work with regulators – our team helps customers navigate regulatory requirements by collaborating with asset owners, operators, vendors and regulators (such as the USCG) to help implement regulations more effectively.
Cybersecurity Training to Meet MTSA Compliance
ABS Consulting offers tailored training programs designed specifically for MTSA-regulated facilities, ensuring employees understand the unique risks and compliance requirements of the maritime industry.
Our training program benefits key personnel, including:
- Facility Security Officers (FSOs)
- Vessel Security Officers (VSOs)
- IT / OT Engineers and Technicians
- Operational Managers / Staff mandated by USCG
Contact Our Team Today
Connect with ABS Consulting today to begin your MTSA training.