Several Greek shipping companies fell victim to a Halloween cyberattack over the weekend that resulted in the loss of important files.
The companies affected used the communication systems of Danaos Management Consultants. The cyberattack reportedly blocked their communications with ships, suppliers, agents, charterers and suppliers, while their correspondence files were lost. Danaos Management Consultants sent out instructions to clients asking, among other things, to back up important files.
“The cyber risk landscape is increasingly complicated by the involvement of organised crime and state actors, cyber exclusion clauses, international sanctions and international regulation. Shipowners and operators now have to navigate this complex landscape in addition to all the other pressures faced by the sector. From a legal perspective, it is critical to thoroughly check the extent and application of cyber insurance cover, cyber provisions in contracts and cyber emergency response procedures. Absence of good cyber house-keeping undermines proper due diligence”, — said Julian Clarke, partner of Ince.
Rick Tiene, vice president of cybersecurity experts Mission Secure, also noted that it is important to view cybersecurity as part of the maritime infrastructure, not as a bonus.
Shipping Magazine Odessa
