Maritime cyber security: preparing for rough seas ahead
Protecting Africa’s maritime sector from cyber attacks is vital for the continent’s development and prosperity.
Digital advances in the maritime sector can increase efficiency, but as the July Transnet cyber attack showed, they also expose the industry to new threats. To benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the safety of sea routes, ports and vessels should be a priority for African states. This includes protection against cyber attacks.
Cyber security and the AfCFTA are flagship projects of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and ensuring maritime cyber security is vital for the continent’s development and prosperity. This seminar will discuss the links between maritime and cyber security, and the roles of the private and public sector actors responsible for reducing the risks.
This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA) at Stellenbosch University. SIGLA will publish a special co-edited issue of Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies on maritime cyber security based on the seminar proceedings.
Chair: Professor Francois Vrey, Research Coordinator, SIGLA
Keynote address: Abdul Hakeem Ajijola, Chairman, AU Cyber Expert Group
Panel 1: Maritime cyber security and governance in Africa – challenges and solutions
Chair: Karen Allen, Senior Consultant, ISS
Speakers:
- Denys Reva, Research Officer, ISS Pretoria
- Mourad Ghorbel, Maritime and Port Security Expert, International Maritime Organisation
- Lars Benjamin Vold, Managing Director, Norwegian Maritime Cyber Resilience Centre
Panel 2: Emerging threats and the African maritime cyber landscape
Chair: Noelle Cowling, Cyber Program Lead, SIGLA
Speakers:
- Chris Myers, SIGLA
- Elmarie Biermann, Director, Cyber Security Institute
- Waldo Fourie, Director, Mackay Marine South Africa
- Brett van Niekerk, Senior Lecturer, University of KwaZulu Natal
