Study on cyber security awareness in Finnish ports and shipping companies

Abstract

In our study we wanted to find out what the level of cyber security awareness is within Finnish shipping companies and Finnish ports engaged in international trade.

The maritime sector is becoming more digitalized and technological development leads to a higher level of automation. This trend goes hand in hand with cyber security. One of our purposes with this study was to raise the level of security awareness through this study.

The study consisted of literature review, regulatory review and a qualitative research. The qualitative research had two distinct phases, as gathering of data was divided in two parts: material from a cyber security -related workshop for Finnish ports and qualitative interviews with Designated Persons Ashore (DPA’s) representing Finnish shipping companies.

Based on our study, training in the field of cyber security is needed. Our view is that we have increased cyber security awareness by raising the issue and encouraging discussion. Currently the shipping companies are implementing ISM guidelines on cyber security so the timing was suitable. Cyber security should be included in the risk management process.