Emergency Contact Cyber Guidance for Crews Home Latest updates News Cyber Guidance for Crews 2 Sept 2016 Download Sign up for alerts The Club thanks Steven Jones FRSA, specialist in maritime affairs, consultant and writer, for contributing this article. The threats posed by maritime cyber security incidents are increasing, and the shipping industry is taking action to mitigate the risks while minimising the impact. The true extent of shipping’s cyber vulnerabilities remains uncertain and the implications are growing, as is the concern of the effect of cyber security on the industry.  Every ship, whatever the size and trade, is potentially vulnerable and so seafarers need to know what is needed and expected of them to keep ships safe and secure. Understanding and awareness are key aspects of cyber security. All seafarers should be aware of not just the external threats, but of the problems they can introduce onboard too. Connected ships As shipboard systems become more sophisticated and connected, cyber security becomes ever more important. As vessel communication networks carry more data and faster, then this too has an effect and can make ships more vulnerable. Hackers could theoretically target vessels and there is growing evidence that some may have done already. However, the bigger problem is actually what happens onboard. Viruses and malware can have huge effects; they can render systems inoperable, or make them do the wrong thing. Whether that is propulsion systems, steering, fuel or navigation, everything is vulnerable. Some 43% of seafarers in a recent survey said they had been on a vessel which had its systems affected by a virus. Many believed the viruses had been unwittingly introduced by the crew themselves. Seafarers are not routinely trained in cyber security 88% in the same survey claimed they were not aware of how to manage cyber issues onboard. USB problems Seafarers are in a difficult position; they can cause problems, but are u