The U.S. Coast Guard is urging vessels to update their cybersecurity systems amid a recent malware attack on a deep draft ship en route to New York, The Hill reported Monday. The agency advised the service branches to create employee logins, segment networks, develop patches and install antivirus software to deter foreign actors from accessing ships.
According to an analysis by the Coast Guard, the cyberattack affected the vessel’s computer systems and its functions. In addition, the agency discovered that the ship operated without any installed cybersecurity platforms.
“With engines that are controlled by mouse clicks, and growing reliance on electronic charting and navigation systems, protecting these systems with proper cybersecurity measures is as essential as controlling physical access to the ship or performing routine maintenance on traditional machinery,†the Coast Guard said.
