Forescout Enhances Cyber Resilience for the Maritime Industry

Rhea-AI Summary

Forescout Technologies has become the first provider to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) cybersecurity requirements for ship automation systems. Effective January 1, 2021, maritime operators are mandated to adhere to IMO’s cyber risk guidelines, which include safeguarding critical operational technology (OT) systems against cyber threats. Forescout's platform offers comprehensive device visibility and threat detection to enhance maritime cybersecurity, crucial in light of increasing cyber-attacks on the industry.

Positive

• Forescout's technology is the first to comply with IMO's cybersecurity regulations.
• The platform enhances maritime operators' ability to secure operational technology systems.
• Forescout provides advanced threat detection and device visibility, essential for maritime safety.

Negative

• Increasing cyber-attacks on maritime OT systems pose ongoing risks.
• Legacy systems may create vulnerabilities due to insufficient cybersecurity measures.

Forescout is first to support International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) requirements by securing ship automation and control systems

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forescout Technologies, Inc., the leader in Enterprise of Things security, today announced that the company’s platform is the first commercial device visibility and control technology available to help maritime organizations meet specific Operational Technology (OT) security requirements prescribed by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) for Maritime Cybersecurity.

As of January 1, 2021, maritime operators must comply with IMO’s cyber risk guidelines. These measures address a wide range of strategic preparedness and technical controls, from evaluating the impact of cyber-attack scenarios, to implementing safeguards for bridge, cargo handling, propulsion, passenger-facing public Internet and other IT and OT systems. Ship owners and operators must ensure that cyber risks are appropriately addressed within IMO regulations and failure to comply with IMO 2021 may result in the denial of port access or even ship detentions.

“Modern ships are floating cities with navigation, propulsion, electric power generation, fuel dissemination and water treatment as well as other networked systems such as HVAC, video surveillance and automated safety controls,” said Kevin O’Leary, chief product officer at Forescout. “With these expansive technologies, the damage a cyber incident can cause to critical systems can be far-reaching and difficult to contain due to poor visibility and control of all connected assets. Forescout has an established track record in maritime operations and now offers the power of complete operational technology (OT) network visibility and system integration with legacy and new bridge control systems.”

Over the last three years, cyber-attacks on the maritime industry’s OT systems have increased and the U.S. Coast Guard warned that “Legacy OT systems that were not designed to defend against current threats and activities, along with a failure to take necessary actions to protect newer systems and equipment, create opportunities for vulnerabilities and exploitation.”

Maritime operators need to quickly collect and aggregate security and operational data from the entire control and automation systems of the port facilities and ships. This is essential to maintain safety, operational reliability and keep up with an evolving threat landscape.

Forescout provides maritime operators with complete device visibility and advanced threat detection for all marine control networks and monitoring applications. This expansive view of a ship’s entire digital network increases the speed of detecting anomalies and threats while enhancing response and remediation across critical alarms to I/O and IP device networks. With Forescout eyeInspect, operators in port or at sea can mitigate or prevent operational issues before they lead to potentially dangerous incidents.

About Forescout
Forescout Technologies, Inc. actively defends the Enterprise of Things by identifying, segmenting and enforcing compliance of every connected thing. Fortune 1000 companies trust Forescout as it provides the most widely deployed, enterprise-class platform at scale across IT, IoT and OT managed and unmanaged devices. Forescout arms customers with more device intelligence than any other company in the world, allowing organizations across every industry to accurately classify risk, detect anomalies and quickly remediate cyberthreats without disruption of critical business assets. Don’t just see it. Secure it.

The Enterprise of Things – Secured. Learn more at www.forescout.com.

^© 2021 Forescout Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Forescout Technologies, Inc. is a Delaware corporation. A list of our trademarks and patents can be found at https://www.forescout.com/company/legal/intellectual-property-patents-trademarks. Other brands, products, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Media Relations Contact
Katie Beck
Forescout Technologies, Inc.
katie.beck@forescout.com  

FAQ

What is Forescout Technologies' role in maritime cybersecurity?

Forescout Technologies provides the first platform to meet IMO's cybersecurity requirements, offering visibility and control for ship automation systems.

When did the IMO's cybersecurity requirements take effect?

The IMO's cybersecurity requirements took effect on January 1, 2021.

How does Forescout help maritime operators?

Forescout enhances security by offering complete device visibility and advanced threat detection for maritime operational technology.

Why are cyber risks a concern for maritime operators?

Cyber risks threaten the safety and operational reliability of vessels, and non-compliance could lead to denial of port access.

What are the consequences of not complying with IMO regulations?

Failure to comply with IMO regulations may result in denial of port access or ship detentions.