86: Cyber Security for Transportation, Part 3: Maritime

(CS)²AI Podcast Show: Control System Cyber Security

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing two esteemed panelists poised to ignite our minds with their profound expertise on cybersecurity in the maritime sector.

Gary Kessler and James Cabe are two remarkable individuals who will shed light on the vast spectrum of applications that intertwine maritime operations and the crucial realm of cybersecurity.

Gary Kessler is a retired cybersecurity professor who has embraced diverse roles. With a remarkable career starting in the late 1970s, Gary has immersed himself in information security. However, his passion for maritime cyber has captivated his attention for the past five to six years. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary undertook a personal project close to his heart: writing a book on maritime cyber. Presently, he dedicates his life to exploring the depths of the water, both physically and intellectually, as he navigates the intricacies of cybersecurity in the maritime realm.

James Cabe is a seasoned cybersecurity specialist. He hails from a background deeply rooted in the history of the industry. Having spent his formative years at BBN Planet, James carries a wealth of experience. He ventured into diverse sectors during his career, including retail, foreign national critical infrastructure, and the oil and gas industry. He is currently immersed in the IoT realm, spearheading his own startup focused on developing a chaos-resilient Human-Machine Interface (HMI) independent of Windows. While James acknowledges his comparatively lesser experience in the maritime domain, his expertise in the oil and gas sector, particularly in anchoring systems, vibration analysis, and mud logging, adds a unique perspective to this distinguished panel.

In today’s exhilarating exploration, we delve into the intricate world where technology meets the high seas and discover how safeguarding our industry has become paramount in the face of emerging digital challenges. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of the panelists ensure an engaging and comprehensive discussion on the topic at hand.

Stay tuned for an enlightening and dynamic conversation that promises to capture the essence of the maritime industry's cybersecurity landscape!

Show highlights:

• The importance of cybersecurity in the maritime sector.
• Why maritime is essential for national security, defense, energy, food security, and economic security.
• Dealing with high-consequence events.
• The cost of retrofitting new technologies onto old ships.
• The push for autonomy on ships.
• The dangers of relying on digital information.
• The future of big boats and smart ships.
• The lack of resiliency in maritime systems.
• Automation and digitalization of the Maritime industry.
• Building a cyber safety culture.

Links and resources:

(CS)²AI

Derek Harp on LinkedIn

Gary Kessler on LinkedIn

Gary Kessler Associates

James Cabe on LinkedIn

ZPE Systems