Launched during Nor-Shipping, DNV research points to a cyber-security investment drive in the energy industry, but shipping industry poll says more investment is needed
New research published by DNV shows the energy industry is boosting its cyber-security spending this year, citing heightened geopolitical tensions and the accelerating adoption of digitally connected infrastructure as reasons for concern over the industry’s vulnerability to cyber attack.
"A majority (59%) of the 600 energy professionals surveyed by DNV say their organisation is investing more in cyber security in 2023 compared with last year, while acknowledging that cyber attacks on the industry are a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’. Two thirds (64%) believe their organisation’s infrastructure is now more vulnerable to cyber threats than ever, and say their focus on cyber security has intensified as a result of geopolitical tensions," DNV said.
DNV’s new research report Energy Cyber Priority 2023: Closing the gap between awareness and action, shows cyber security is now a regular fixture on the boardroom agenda among six in 10 respondents surveyed. Some 89% of energy industry professionals surveyed believe cyber security is a prerequisite for digital transformation initiatives essential to the future of the industry.
By comparison, a similar report on the state of cyber security in the maritime industry showed fewer than half (40%) of maritime professionals believe their organisations are investing appropriately in cyber security.
"While the maritime industry has focused on enhancing IT security over recent decades, the security of operational technology (OT) – which manages, monitors, controls and automates physical assets such sensors, switches, safety and navigation systems, and vessels – is a more recent and increasingly urgent risk. Three quarters (75%) of the 800 industry professionals surveyed by DNV believe OT security is a significantly higher priority for their organisation than it was just two years ago. Just one in three is confident their organisation’s OT cyber security is as strong as its IT security," according to DNV.
DNV’s research report Maritime Cyber Priority 2023: Staying secure in an era of connectivity shows high levels of worry over the impact of cyber attacks on ship operations in the near future.
"Three quarters of maritime professionals believe a cyber incident is likely to force the closure of a strategic waterway (76%). More than half expect cyber attacks to cause ship collisions (60%), groundings (68%), and even result in physical injury or death (56%) as an overwhelming majority (79%) of professionals say the industry considers cyber-security risks to be as important as health and safety risks," the DNV report showed.
In both industries, regulation is seen as a primary way to improve existing gaps in cyber security and to expand funding to develop improved cyber resilience, industrywide.
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