This episode of the Lloyd’s List Podcast was brought to you by Veson. Visit veson.com/decision-advantage for more information.

TEN years or so ago, when the University of Plymouth ran their first cybersecurity symposium, the number attendees barely made double figures.

This week, held in the main hall of the International Maritime Organization on London’s Albert Embankment, the same event attracted more than 300, from shipping companies in almost every sector.

Clearly, the topic has gained attention and traction, partly down to the repeated warnings of horror stories the industry continues to receive, right the way up to hackers being able to remotely control very large crude carriers.

There have been several high-profile cyber incidents in shipping since the devastating NotPetya attack, which cost Maersk more than $250m in 2017.  

The port of Seattle, the port of Lisbon and class society DNV can all count themselves victims of cyber attacks in the past two years.

But the apocalyptic vision that has been painted for the industry time and time again hasn’t materialised yet.

So, how worried should we really be about cyber security in shipping?

Joining Lloyd’s List’s Joshua Minchin on the podcast this week are:

• Kevin Jones, professor of computer science and director of the Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group, University of Plymouth

• Daniel Ng, chief executive, Cyberowl

• Svante Einarsson, head of cybersecurity maritime for EMEA and APAC, DNV

• Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, maritime chief executive, DNV

Download the Lloyd’s List App — the essential tool for staying ahead in the maritime industry, anytime, anywhere! Available now on the App Store and Google Play. More information here