Inmarsat Superyacht Connectivity Report highlights cyber security challenges onboard

Inmarsat (mobile satellite communications) has revealed research to show that more than 80 per cent of superyacht professionals lack awareness about the most effective measures of cyber security. The survey of captains, engineers and crew also indicates that 67 per cent of respondents do not have a third-party organisation in charge of their security management on-board.

As the demand for reliable, global connectivity continues to rise in line with the expansion of digitalisation in the sector, the risk of cyber-attacks is increasing, threatening vessel systems, the integrity of personal data and the on-board IT infrastructure.

However, despite the dangers of cybercrime, most key superyacht personnel assume that a standard anti-virus program will cover all their cyber security requirements, according to Inmarsat 2019 Superyacht Connectivity Report.

Inmarsat produced the report to gain unique insight and strengthen links with the superyacht community, in support of its Fleet Xpress service and Fleet Secure portfolio, an effective, multi-layered cyber security solution that combines cyber awareness, network security and endpoint security.

Peter Broadhurst, senior vice president, Yachting and Passenger, Inmarsat says: “It is not expected that everyone on-board a superyacht is a cyber security expert, so it is up to us to take the lead in this critical issue and improve cyber resilience at sea.”

Key findings from the report reveal only 17 per cent of respondents know the difference between Anti-Virus software and more secure endpoint protection. In terms of on-board security management, 29 per cent said the captain was in charge, 29 per cent said the ETO was in charge and 8 per cent said that that no-one oversees cyber security on-board, with only 33 per cent confirming that a third-party organisation oversees their security.

To help superyacht captains and crew maintain a secure system core on-board, Inmarsat has developed its Fleet Secure Portfolio to provide a comprehensive solution.

Visit Inmarsat at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on Marine Electronics Stand 337.