CYBER SECURITY
Cyber Security at Ports
For years, ports have been undergoing a digital transformation, due to the ever emerging challenges brought about by the optimisation of existing processes and the introduction of many new capabilities. Digital transformation is pushing the maritime industry beyond its traditional limits to provide opportunities and to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Such digital transformation has come about from the advancements in the interconnectivity of IT and the introduction of cloud computing, big data and Internet of Things (IoT). However, for ports, transitioning with the digital transformation brings along cyber
security challenges that need to be met in order for future ports to fully unlock the potential of these new technologies. As a result, ports have discovered that there is a price to pay for modern technological marvels. Cyber criminals are attracted to the centralised systems which ports
18 - World Security Report | Summer 2020
have that provide fraudsters with a wealth of target information. The need for increased cyber security in ports is evident by the proliferation of cybersecurity incidents that have occured in ports over the past few years. For example: in 2011, the Belgian port