Cyprus’ Digital Security Authority (DSA), in collaboration with the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), this week hosted a conference on maritime cybersecurity.

Titled ‘Charting a New Course: Overcoming Maritime Challenges’, the event brought together around 70 participants from both the public and private maritime sectors to discuss the rising cybersecurity challenges, as well as strategies and actions to address them, according to a DSA press release.

Among the attendees were officials from the US Embassy in Cyprus, the British High Commission, and cybersecurity firm Mandiant, which specialises in threat intelligence and incident response.

What is more, Israel’s ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, delivered welcoming remarks.

George Michaelides, Commissioner of Communications, highlighted the rapidly escalating cyber threats facing the shipping industry, a critical sector for global trade and the Eastern Mediterranean economy.  

He noted that the financial toll of such attacks has risen sharply, with the average cost of a cyberattack now reaching $550,000. 

Moreover, Michaelides stressed the need for collective action, as cyberattacks not only jeopardise business continuity and financial stability but also threaten crew safety and the environment.  

He also mentioned the DSA’s efforts to strengthen the sector, particularly through European directives and initiatives such as CY-TRUST and SecAwarenessTruss, which aim to enhance maritime cybersecurity and raise awareness throughout the industry. 

Furthermore, Michaelides pointed to the collaboration between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the US through the 3+1 Cybersecurity Working Group, alongside workshops held in partnership with the US Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories.

“These collaborations culminated in a white paper that outlines the need for a regional centre of excellence for cybersecurity and the most appropriate approaches to implementing this vision,” he said. 

The proposed centre, long a goal for the region, would serve as a hub for training, information exchange, security improvement, and policy development, Michaelides added. According to him, it would align with international standards while addressing the unique needs of the region. 

Gaby Portnoy, Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, emphasised the significance of the strategic partnerships between Israel and Cyprus, as well as between the INCD, DSA, and the maritime community.  

He further underlined that, “due to their geographical positioning, both countries rely heavily on shipping and must ensure its continued secure operation.” 

Finally, Stelios Himonas, Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, discussed the critical role of shipping in global trade and its growing vulnerability to cyberattacks, driven by increasing digitisation.  

He concluded by stressing the devastating consequences of such attacks and the urgent need for stronger security measures, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening digital security within the sector.