ABS answers U.S. Coast Guard call for implementing cyber security in U.S. ports

ABS Advanced Solutions announced a first-of-its-kind cyber security solution to aid regulated maritime facilities in complying with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) guidance. The suite of services provides a turnkey solution for port and terminal facility operators responsible for maintaining USCG regulated Facility Security Plans (FSPs).

In 2017, the USCG announced the intent that regulated maritime facilities in the United States address cyber security in their FSPs. This was first disseminated in the draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 05-17 published for public comment. Since then, regulated facilities have been asking how to comply.

“We’ve listened to our client partners and developed a solution that categorically addresses the Coast Guard’s cyber intent—and is easily implemented and understood by facility security personnel,” said Dave Nichols, Director of Business Development, ABS Advanced Solutions.

At the heart of the ABS solution is a consolidation of the regulations, policies, procedures, and internationally recognised best practices outlined by the USCG in draft NVIC 05-17. Specifically, the USCG identified the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Security Framework (NIST CSF) as the recommended approach to be implemented by regulated facilities. The ABS solution incorporates the NIST CSF into an easy-to-follow approach that demystifies cyber security.

The solution provides a pathway for port and terminal operators to address all five functional areas of NIST—including all 108 sub-categories—into a comprehensive assessment that produces an actionable plan to augment existing FSPs and streamline the efforts of Facility Security Officers, IT, and OT personnel. In addition to the assessment—which produces a quantifiable risk score—ABS Advanced Solutions can assist in FSP development, training of FSOs as well as additional personnel, and implementation of risk mitigation strategies identified in the facility cyber assessment.

“Many of our client partners need a solution and recognise that the time to act is now. Our team focused on delivering a solution that not only meets the industry’s needs today, but, is also designed to fulfil future requirements as operations evolve,” said Russ Medeiros, Vice President of ABS Advanced Solutions. “This solution marries regulations with practical cyber security outcomes, and we believe our approach will emerge as the gold standard for port cyber security.”

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4th March 2019