What does the acronym "ICS" stand for in maritime cybersecurity?

The acronym "ICS" stands for Industrial Control Systems. In the context of maritime cybersecurity, Industrial Control Systems refer to the hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical processes, particularly those critical to marine operations, such as navigation, propulsion, and cargo management. This systems category includes a wide range of technologies such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and other control system configurations widely employed in various industrial environments, including maritime operations.

Understanding ICS is essential for marine safety personnel because these systems can be vulnerable to cyber threats. Effective cybersecurity measures must be in place to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyberattacks that can disrupt maritime operations and compromise safety. By ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of Industrial Control Systems, marine personnel can help safeguard critical maritime infrastructure and operations.