Cyber risk management continues to be one of the most significant challenges currently facing the maritime industry. With an overreliance on information technology (‘‘IT’’) and operational technology (‘‘OT’’), the shipping industry is vulnerable to cyber risks, cyber threats, and cyber attacks that could result in significant damages and loss, including loss of business and damage to reputation and property. While the maritime industry has yet to be regulated, various stakeholders have recognized the need for the industry to address cyber risk. As the U.S. Coast Guard continues to assess and evaluate cyber risk throughout the marine transportation system, the International Maritime Organization (‘‘IMO’’) and various industry organizations have issued guidelines on cyber risk management this past year. Most notably, the IMO approved Interim Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management (‘‘IMO Interim Guidelines’’).

Originally published in the January 2017 edition of Pratt’s Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Report (Vol. 3, No. 1), an A.S. Pratt Publication, LexisNexis.