Increased Internet and remote connectivity to offshore assets has exposed industrial control systems to targeted attacks and vulnerabilities previously obscured.
Remote monitoring, remote upgrades, Internet connections, and the complexity/criticality of the systems in general on highly valuable offshore energy assets (vessels) potentially facilitate targeted attacks and cyber assaults on Dynamic Positioning, Drilling Control, BOP and other control systems.
ABS Group is directly responding to these threats by offering standards based security assessments specifically for newbuilds, operating assets, and retiring assets, performed by certified security practitioners with offshore experience.
“Software integrity is just as relevant as mechanical and structural integrity. Cybersecurity is a large component of software integrity, and if understood and acted upon, can make an asset much safer,” said Tom Nolan, VP of Maritime Services.
ABS Group’s certified experts will develop a security baseline and identify potential gaps based on control system standards and practices, specifically modified to address the intricacies of offshore assets. Owners and Operators may use this information to mitigate vulnerabilities and decrease the risk of compromise on an asset.
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Press release, December 20, 2013; Image: Jumbo Shipping