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Welcome to the official blog of the International Society of Automation (ISA).

This blog covers numerous topics on industrial automation such as operations & management, continuous & batch processing, connectivity, manufacturing & machine control, and Industry 4.0.

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. ISA blog posts may be authored by ISA staff and guest authors from the automation community. Views and opinions expressed by a guest author are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent those of ISA. Posts made by guest authors have been subject to peer review.

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ISA Podcast Dives Into Maritime Cybersecurity

The International Society of Automation (ISA) podcast, Podomation, curates and shares thoughtful conversations from top thought leaders in automation and industrial cybersecurity. Keep reading for a recap of one recent episode, Podomation 004 — Secure Seas: Navigating Maritime Cybersecurity.

What is Podomation?

Podomation is ISA's official podcast. Its guests are subject-matter experts representing many niches in the industrial automation community. The topics include industry 4.0, digital transformation, manufacturing and machine control, connectivity and cybersecurity for operational technology (OT) and continuous and batch processing.
 
Some episodes were recorded live during ISA events, and others were recorded in studio. Each episode focuses on the critical role that automation plays in making the world a better place, and all the ways our community generates an impact.

Podomation Episode 004

Navigating Maritime Cybersecurity

The landscape of maritime cybersecurity has evolved significantly, driven by current events, increasing digitization and the adoption of emerging technologies. These changes enhance operational capabilities, but also introduce vulnerabilities. Regulation and standards introductions have been pivotal in guiding the integration of cyber risk management into safety management systems onboard ships. However, a primary concern in maritime cybersecurity is OT systems, which are vital for the control and operation of physical shipboard processes.

Podomation 004 Panelists

  • Sean Plankey, Global Head of Cybersecurity Software, Willis Towers Watson
  • Michael DeVolld, Senior Principal Consultant, American Bureau of Shipping
  • Kevin Duffy, CEO, Maritime Imperative
  • Marco Ayala, President, Infragard Houston

 

The State of Maritime Cybersecurity

The global maritime trading system is a critical part of the modern economy, which also makes it vulnerable to cyberattacks. Threat actors attack ports or shipping at sea for ransom or with ideological motivations, attempting to profit from illicit activities or impose costs on adversaries. Asset owners therefore need assurance that shipyards can manage cybersecurity.

To manage maritime cybersecurity risks, the speakers discuss the importance of collaboration in an interconnected world. Frameworks and standards like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards can be used to help assess risk and identify threat vectors.

Among wide-ranging topics on the state of maritime cybersecurity today, the speakers also highlight the complexities of coordinating incident response among multiple government agencies and industry entities as well as the importance of finding a balance between security and operational needs.

To hear the full discussion, including the speakers' thoughts on the maritime insurance perspective, regulatory efforts and more, visit www.isa.org/podcast or search for "Podomation" wherever you listen to podcasts.

Ready for the Next Episode of Podomation? 

To see new episodes as soon as they're ready, make sure to subscribe on your podcast platform of choice. Podomation is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more.

If you enjoy listening to our discussions, please leave us a review! You can also play back episodes at www.isa.org/podcast any time. 

Kara Phelps
Kara Phelps
Kara Phelps is the communications and public relations manager for ISA.

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