Assessing cyber risk for cruise operators, ABS Consulting plays a key role for newbuilds, ships in operation and shoreside, helping cruise lines keep guests, crew and systems safe, said Michael DeVolld, director of maritime cybersecurity.
DeVolld said that the cruise industry was nothing short of complex, operating ships with thousands of guests and crew, sailing to ports globally, with no shortage in systems and software supporting it all.
“We think about the operation, and what is critical to keeping passengers safe and doing business,” said DeVolld.
Cyber Events
“We ask, what are the things that if they are not available due to a cyber event would cause a ship not to operate,” DeVolld questioned.
That question can get answered by interviewing personnel, looking at network architecture and more, he continued. That includes doing penetration system and probing networks for vulnerabilities.
As ships have gotten more connected and thanks to Starlink, more vendors are able to access systems to look at data and suggest maintenance. On the flipside, these systems then need to be segregated from others.
“Having back ups are critical. If you have a system where you are not worried…
