The dangers involved in shifting volatile liquids from ship to shore may not appear to have a cybersecurity angle, but according to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) many transfter facilities are computer controlled and thus vulnerable to cyberattack.
With this in mind the USCG, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the maritime industry came together to create a voluntary framework to help protect these computer systems. USCG Lt. Katie Braynard wrote in a blog that the standard is a first for the maritime industry.
Due to the amount of automation involved, these facilities face inherent cybersecurity issues.
“Operational technology, now more than ever operates valves, pumps, sensors, control gates, cameras, and performs many other vital safety and security functions. Cyber attacks could lead to significant consequences,” she said.
