SINGAPORE has opened the Maritime Cybersecurity Operations Centre (MSOC) to enhance cyber defence readiness in the face of rising threats from cyber-attacks, reports Seatrade Maritime News.
The MSOC, housed and operated by ST Engineering at its electronic hub, conducts 24/7 monitoring and correlate data activities across all maritime Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).
'As the world's busiest transshipment hub, it is important that we safeguard our maritime and port critical infrastructure to prevent disruption to port operation,' said Niam Chiang Meng, chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the agency responsible for the new cybersecurity centre.
The MSOC, which started operations in November 2018, has been built with the capability to detect and monitor cyber attacks by analysing activities in the IT environment, detect anomalies and threats, and respond to the cybersecurity incidents using available technology solutions.
'First, MPA will build key data linkages between the MSOC and the existing Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) at PSA Vista to respond to cyber incidents in a more holistic and timely manner. We will also design an integrated command and control centre of the future when we move to the new Tuas port,' said Mr Niam.
Singapore's Tuas mega port is scheduled to commence its first phase of operations in 2021 with two berths for ships. When fully operational from 2040, the port can handle up to 65 million TEU annually.
Mr Niam added that MPA is collaborating with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and Singapore Polytechnic to develop a new Maritime Cybersecurity (Intermediate) Training Course for maritime personnel to enhance their knowledge in managing cyber threats and challenges. The one-day course will be rolled out in the first half of 2020.
'Third, MPA will embark on a Maritime Cybersecurity Research Programme in collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Institute and local institutes of higher learning. This programme will focus on the protection of shipboard systems and prepare bridge-officers to respond effectively to a cybersecurity breach,' Mr Niam said.
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The MSOC, housed and operated by ST Engineering at its electronic hub, conducts 24/7 monitoring and correlate data activities across all maritime Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).
'As the world's busiest transshipment hub, it is important that we safeguard our maritime and port critical infrastructure to prevent disruption to port operation,' said Niam Chiang Meng, chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the agency responsible for the new cybersecurity centre.
The MSOC, which started operations in November 2018, has been built with the capability to detect and monitor cyber attacks by analysing activities in the IT environment, detect anomalies and threats, and respond to the cybersecurity incidents using available technology solutions.
'First, MPA will build key data linkages between the MSOC and the existing Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) at PSA Vista to respond to cyber incidents in a more holistic and timely manner. We will also design an integrated command and control centre of the future when we move to the new Tuas port,' said Mr Niam.
Singapore's Tuas mega port is scheduled to commence its first phase of operations in 2021 with two berths for ships. When fully operational from 2040, the port can handle up to 65 million TEU annually.
Mr Niam added that MPA is collaborating with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and Singapore Polytechnic to develop a new Maritime Cybersecurity (Intermediate) Training Course for maritime personnel to enhance their knowledge in managing cyber threats and challenges. The one-day course will be rolled out in the first half of 2020.
'Third, MPA will embark on a Maritime Cybersecurity Research Programme in collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Institute and local institutes of higher learning. This programme will focus on the protection of shipboard systems and prepare bridge-officers to respond effectively to a cybersecurity breach,' Mr Niam said.
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