U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Command released its fourth annual Cyber Trends and Insights in the Marine Environment (CTIME) report. The U.S. Coast Guard continues its commitment to securing critical systems in the Marine Transportation System (MTS) by collaborating with the maritime industry to share best practices and provide insights into evolving cyber risks. In the modern MTS, the interconnectedness of operational technology and information technology increases the risk of cyber attacks. CTIME expands on these recent findings derived from engagements with MTS partners throughout 2024, conducted by Coast Guard Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs) and the Maritime Cyber Readiness Branch.
“The adoption of new technologies continues to drive operational efficiencies while also creating new vulnerabilities and attack vectors. CGCYBER is committed to partnering with industry to address this evolving threat landscape and protect the Marine Transportation System in cyberspace,” said Rear Admiral Jason Tama, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Cyber Command.
Four key takeaways from the report include:
- Supply chain risks and other observed vulnerabilities exist within ship-to-shore cranes manufactured in China.
- Improved connectivity and the proliferation of networked technology create new cyber risks for vessels.
- There was an uptick in cyber incidents and CPT missions involving cloud systems and services.
- Similar cybersecurity vulnerabilities were observed in previous CTIME reports, however the baseline cybersecurity posture has been improved across the Marine Transportation System.
The full report contains insights and recommendations valuable for all Coast Guard units and organizations ranging from large, cyber-mature organizations to small businesses looking to build out their own cybersecurity programs.