ABS: "Cyber security is the new frontier in marine and offshore safety"

ABS will collaborate with Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, to provide cyber security for ship information technology (IT) and operation technology (OT) in response to increasing digital technology within marine and offshore energy sectors.

Cyber security will be implemented at the earliest stages of asset design and development to ensure cyber risk management is an integral part of operations from the beginning.

“Cyber security is the new frontier in marine and offshore safety,” says ABS global head of cyber security Ian Bramson. “As these assets become more digital, the industry must be ready to deal with a broader range of threats. Working together, we are able to deliver a converged IT/OT solution for safer, more secure assets and operations.”

Owners and operators are becoming more exposed to cyber threats that could have serious consequences to operations and the safety of people and the environment as they implement methods to benefit from increased automation and digitalisation.

This drives the need for better control, visibility and management of cyber risks in maritime operations and computer systems, said Atos senior vice president and head of big data and cyber security Jerome Sandrini.

“Historically, OT and IT acted as stand-alone systems in the maritime industry,” he said. “Uniting Atos’ cyber security expertise with ABS’ marine and offshore operational experience provides a new industry solution in securing both IT and OT assets, devices and networks.”

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Converging cyber security management covers physical OT systems with IT’s real-time digital operations “to protect personnel, company, cargo and the environment from the evolving threat landscape and prevent unwanted incidents from occurring” said Mr Sandrini.

Atos provides end-to-end orchestrated hybrid cloud, big data and business applications and digital workplace solutions.

ABS’ portfolio of cyber security solutions provides risk-based capabilities at every stage of cyber defence and includes the proprietary cyber risk reduction and risk rating (CybeR2) programs, which use ABS FCI Cyber Risk method developed with the Maritime Security Center, a US Department of Homeland Security centre of excellence.

Upcoming conferences discussing energy interfaces and ship digitalisation from Riviera Maritime Media include LNG Ship/Shore Interface Conference Europe in London on 28-29 November and Optimised Ship Forum also in London on 11 December. There will also be a dedicated paper on cyber security during Tanker Shipping & Trade Conference, Awards & Exhibition, also in London on 26-27 November