Videotel launches cybersecurity training program for seafarers

(MIDDLETOWN, R.I.) — KVH Videotel has launched a cybersecurity training program, produced in association with global shipping association BIMCO, to address the threat of ransomware and other computer system breaches that could severely affect the safety of ships’ crew, systems and operations.
 
The maritime industry is amid a focus on cybersecurity, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently announced that it will soon be mandatory for companies to ensure that cybersecurity procedures are properly addressed in their ship’s safety management system (SMS). To create the training program, KVH Videotel partnered with BIMCO, which has been active in recent years in researching maritime cybersecurity; BIMCO published guidelines in 2016 that have become an industry reference on the subject, and released an updated version in July of this year.
 
The main topics covered in the new “Cyber Security at Sea” training program are:

• The nature of cybersecurity threats
• How to assess the risks to the ship’s IT and OT (operational technology)
• How the risks to individuals and ships can be reduced
• How to respond to a cybersecurity breach or attack 

“A cyberattack can severely impact and impair vessel performance,” said Mark Woodhead, KVH senior vice president, EMEA. “Many cyberincidents on board are triggered accidentally by seafarers opening phishing email attachments or hyperlinks, or using infected removable media, so this training program explores how to minimise these risks by making personnel more aware of the types of malware.”
 
“Cyber Security at Sea” is available from KVH Videotel in many formats, including Videotel on Demand (VOD) and computer-based training (CBT). Videotel’s maritime training programmes are in use on more than 12,000 vessels worldwide and cover a wide range of topics related to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping established by the maritime industry. The extensive selection includes 950 new and updated titles.

For more information, visit www.videotel.com.

By Professional Mariner Staff