The Port of Amsterdam has launched a cyber security programme to help protect itself from cyber-attacks and increase its ability to deal with digital threats.
One element of the programme is the CYREN network (Cyber Resilient North Sea Canal Area). This collects information about cyber threats and shares this with the affiliated companies. Secondly, a hotline provides these companies with timely and effective information about potential cyber-attacks in the North Sea Canal Area. Companies can contact the hotline, staffed by the Harbour Master’s Division, when a situation occurs that could impact the port region.
Marleen van de Kerkhof, port harbourmaster and initiator of its cybersecurity programme, explained: “An attack on a customer's or supplier's information system not only impacts the company, but can often also affect all other companies in its surroundings and disrupt shipping operations: cyber incidents are not limited by physical boundaries.”
Participatory approach
The port said it attaches importance to the proactive involvement of companies in the port area in joint efforts to improve cyber resilience. “Rapidly sharing the latest information about threats, incidents and perspectives for action increases the cyber resilience of the entire port region,” stressed Ms van de Kerkhof.
CYREN has been recognised by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy through the government-funded Digital Trust Center. Several companies and organisations make an active contribution to the development of the CYREN network in the North Sea Canal Area.
According to the port, the Netherlands is one of the world's top three countries affected by cyber-attacks.
Multiple ports have spoken about investing in cyber-security in the last few years. The Port of Rotterdam issued a warning on copycat websites this month, while operators such as Hutchison Ports have taken action by introducing their own cyber-security recovery programme.
Ports including San Diego, Barcelona and Long Beach were affected by cyber-attacks last year.
