Call
Ask an Expert
Tel: +1-281-673-2800
Find an Office
Email
Email Us

Cybersecurity Compliance to MTSA Regulations

Cybersecurity Compliance to MTSA Regulations

The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in Maritime

Cybersecurity continues to be a critical component of operational safety and regulatory compliance in the maritime industry.

In February 2024 the United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued updated cyber reporting guidance for Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) stakeholders. On July 16, 2025 additional cybersecurity measures will go into effect that apply to U.S. flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) structures and other facilities subject to MTSA regulations. These additional minimum cybersecurity requirements are reshaping how MTSA-regulated stakeholders must address and manage cyber risks.

Ports, terminals, vessel operators and other critical infrastructure stakeholders must take proactive steps to comply with these regulations. Failure to do so can result in operational disruptions, financial losses, regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

What Are the MTSA Cyber Regulations?

The USCG is updating maritime security regulations to establish minimum cybersecurity requirements for ports and terminals, U.S.-flagged vessels, OCS structures and other MTSA-regulated facilities. The new rule addresses cybersecurity threats by requiring entities to develop a Cybersecurity Plan, designate a Cybersecurity Officer and implement measures to detect, respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents. These updates are designed to strengthen the maritime sector’s resilience against cyber risks and ensure the safety of operations.

Why Are These Regulations Important?

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in operational disruptions, financial losses due to cyber incidents and regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.

By proactively addressing these regulations, MTSA-regulated stakeholders can:

  • Protect their operations from cyber risks.
  • Enhance the safety of employees, passengers and crew.
  • Ensure compliance with evolving industry standards.
  • Build trust with stakeholders and demonstrate due diligence.

Participate in Our Survey

Understanding the Compliance Journey for Updated MTSA Cyber Regulations

We're gathering data to help in understanding how organizations like yours are preparing for, and complying with, the new maritime cybersecurity requirements set forth in the USCG Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Your experience and opinion are vital to our efforts to help industry meet these mandatory standards and to develop products and services that address your key challenges.

Take the Survey

Our Solutions

ABS Consulting is a trusted leader in maritime cybersecurity, backed by more than 160 years of innovation and maritime safety heritage at ABS. Our team of maritime specialists and cyber experts is recognized as an international authority in the maritime cyber community. We provide tailored solutions to help MTSA-regulated entities comply with USCG requirements and protect operations from cyber threats.

Employee and Crew Cybersecurity Training

Employee and Crew Training

Proper training equips your team with the knowledge to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious activity and other vulnerabilities that could compromise your facility’s operations. We offer tailored training programs designed specifically for MTSA-regulated facilities, ensuring employees understand the unique risks and compliance requirements of the maritime industry.

Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

The USCG emphasizes the importance of effective cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities and gaps in your facility’s systems. Our cyber experts assess your current practices for reducing service disruptions, protecting critical infrastructure and safeguarding employee safety.

Cybersecurity Plans

Cybersecurity Plans

Facilities and vessel operators must incorporate cybersecurity measures into their FSPs/VSPs. We develop a set of risk-based security measures to address and help mitigate cyber threats. We also develop an incident response plan to help ensure the facility can respond effectively to potential threats.

Ongoing Cybersecurity Maintenance and Monitoring

Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

Cyber risks evolve constantly. We help stakeholders implement processes for continuous monitoring and update their cybersecurity measures to stay ahead of emerging threats. Our proactive approach helps you maintain compliance, protect critical infrastructure and build resilience in an ever-changing threat landscape.

From the Knowledge Center

 

Managing Maritime Cyber Risk – Rising to USCG's New Maritime Security Directive

The USCG's new directive mandates cybersecurity measures for US-flagged vessels and facilities. Discover how to prepare your organization to meet these challenges head-on.
Read More
 

Operationalizing Maritime Cybersecurity: A Strategic Approach for the Cruise Industry

Explore how the cruise industry can leverage specific operational readiness principles as a framework for building cybersecurity resilience, enhancing guest experiences and safeguarding operations.
Read More
 

Reducing Cybersecurity Risks in MTSA-Regulated Facilities

Discover how we increased visibility and reduced cybersecurity risks in MTSA-Regulated Facilities by conducting vulnerability assessments and creating a mitigation plan and roadmap to enhance cyber posture.
Read More
Back to top