Cyber Security Awareness Course

Course Introduction

Vessel navigation and propulsion systems, cargo handling and container tracking systems at ports and on board ships, and shipyard inventories and automated processes, are all controlled using software that is fundamental to smooth running operations. Highly-skilled, non-ethical hackers continue to demonstrate their ability to penetrate systems that are used by the maritime industry, with potentially disastrous consequences. Events over the last four years continue to suggest that these types of systems are growing increasingly vulnerable to these forms of attack, resulting in extremely costly results for the sector.

Course Features

- Approved by the CPD Accreditation Board

- Fully Online Training Course and Official Assessments

- Cost & Time-Efficient Means of Delivery of Training

- Course Certificate Available on Successful Completion

- Flexible Learning at Your Own Pace and Convenience

- Ability to Re-Visit Earlier Subjects on Courses

- Ability to Re-Visit Earlier Subjects on Courses

- eLearning leads to Better Retention of Information

Course Structure

About the Course

The newly updated ‘Cyber Security Awareness for Seafarers’ course examines the definition of Cyber Security, the Cyber Threats that exist, the vulnerabilities onboard that there may be in ship Information Technology (IT) and Operations Technology (OT) systems, and how they may be exploited. The course then examines the measures that can be taken to mitigate and defend against these types of threats. This course is designed to provide the user a firm grounding in Maritime Cyber Security issues and to encourage the understanding amongst all individuals in an organisation, because: ‘Cyber Security is everyone’s responsibility.’

Aim of the Course

This course is designed to provide the user, who is at any level in the company or on board ship, with a firm grounding in Maritime Cyber Security issues, and to provide seafarers the basic knowledge and training to enable them to safeguard on board equipment vulnerable to cyber security threats, as well as to introduce measures within the shipboard safety management system (SMS) to ensure that vessels are operationally resilient to cyber risks.

This course sets out practicable best-practice guidance on areas such as:

- General knowledge of Cyber Threats and how they are effective, including real-world case studies to put context to the learning.

- Best practice ‘Cyber Hygiene’: The steps we can take to avoid falling foul of an attack.

- Spotting a threat or an attack in progress and what to do in the event of security incidents.

- Developing and following a Cyber Security Assessment and Plan.

- Awareness and application of the mitigation measures that are most appropriate.

- Knowledge of the correct structures, roles, responsibilities and processes that facilitate a sound Cyber Defence.

Course Structure

- Information and Operational Technology, IT and OT Systems Onboard

- Common Threats and Vulnerabilities

- Best Practices and Basic Cyber-Hygiene

- Cyber Security and Safety Management System (SMS)

- Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Successful Cyber Attacks

Awarding Body

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Certification. This course is fully approved by the CPD Accreditation Group which is an internationally recognised certification. Learners will receive an electronic copy of the official course certificate in PDF format upon successful completion of the course via the eLearning system.

Target Audience

No prerequisites are required for ship’s personnel to get entry on to this course, which can be delivered on board ship or ashore. This online course has been created to give staff and crew of all levels a firm grounding in Cyber Security. The course can be utilised as an intrinsic part of an organisation’s overall risk management and is intended to be used by any seafarer. Additionally, the course can be taken by those with accountability for protecting the ships (both when underway and when at port), crew, other personnel, cargo, cargo transport units and ship’s stores from the risk of a security-related incident. This course is aimed at:

- Anyone of any rank or capacity, working on or around a ship.

- This course can also be useful for any crew or staff.

Average Course Duration

The course lasts for approximately 4.5 to 5.0 hours depending on the learner’s abilities and reading speed. However, you can enter and exit this course as often as you require but you must complete each assessment in one sitting as they will reset if you exit during an assessment phase.