On 16 January the Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs launched a new sectoral strategy for the shipping industry. This strategy is a part of the Danish government’s national strategy for cyber and information security.
The strategy contains a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening IT security and preventing cyber threats in the maritime sector.
The objective of the strategy is to ensure that safety in Danish waters and on board Danish ships is not compromised by cyber attacks.
The responsibility for cyber and information security in the maritime sector lies with the Danish Maritime Authority. The new strategy covers navigational safety in Danish waters and safety on board Danish ships, including systems and software for operation, propulsion and navigation of the ship.
In addition, services such as traffic monitoring, warning and information systems, as well as other systems with a connection to the ship's safe navigation, are included.
It is reported that the Danish Maritime Authority has established a dedicated Danish Maritime Cybersecurity Unit, which is to handle implementation of the strategy in practice.
It is understood that the strategy’s initiatives are:
- Establishment of the Danish Maritime Cybersecurity Unit
- EU and International law
- Single point of contact between maritime operators and the Centre for Cyber Security (CFCS)
- Secondment of Danish Maritime Authority employee at the CFCS
- Increased awareness through collaboration and knowledge sharing in the maritime sector
- Specific objectives and user-friendly recommendations for the maritime sector’s players
- IT security culture and awareness
- Focus on standardized processes in relation to cyber and information security management
- Sustained and robust cyber and information security preparedness in the maritime sector
- Joint contingency and warning plan for handling IT security incidents
- Planning and implementing of common cyber and information security exercises
A link to the Cyber and Information Security Strategy for the Maritime Sector can be found here: https://www.dma.dk/Documents/Publikationer/Cyber%20and%20Information%20Security%20Strategy%20for%20the%20Maritime%20Sector.pdf
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