IMCSO to Launch Independent Cybersecurity Standard for Maritime Industry

A new organization known as the International Maritime Cyber Security Organisation (IMCSO) is set to launch with the aim of establishing an independent third-party standard to enhance cybersecurity services within the maritime industry. The organization highlights the lack of specialized maritime expertise among cyber professionals, despite the increasing threat to ships and shipping interests.

While there have been no documented cases of ships being commandeered or victimized by cyber attacks, various entities within the maritime sector, including shipping companies, port authorities, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), have fallen victim to cyber attacks. As ships become more interconnected and the potential for remote ship operations grows, experts emphasize the escalating cyber risks facing the maritime world.

IMCSO’s CEO, Campbell Murray, explains that the organization’s objective is to elevate the standard of cybersecurity risk assessment across the maritime industry. IMCSO plans to develop certification programs for security consultants, establish a professional register, and validate report outputs to ensure consistency. By providing tools to identify experts in maritime cyber security and track individual vessel risks, IMCSO aims to address the challenges faced by the sector and enable benchmark compliance.

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