These tips are designed to help maintain a secure environment for your vessels and your offices IT networks. While not comprehensive, by following these guidelines you can ensure that exposure to cyber threat is minimized and we highly recommend that your organisation takes these tips into consideration.
KEEP A CLEAN MACHINE
1) Keep security software current: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
2) Automate software updates: Many software programs will automatically connect and update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that’s an available option. For vessels on smaller airtime plans, note that these automatic updates can be quite large, and therefore such vessels updates should be carried out in a controlled manner.
Rather than automating updates from the internet directly, you can create a batch of updates, then use for example Infinity’s file synchronization module to deliver them onboard, and from there distribute the update to your servers on the ship.
3) Protect all devices that connect to the internet: Along with computers, smart phones and gaming systems, other web enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
4) Plug and scan: USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. When connecting such devices to your onboard infrastructure, use security software to scan them.
CONNECT WITH CARE
1) Get savvy about wifi hotspots: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your machine.
2) When in doubt throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
3) Protect your $$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with “https://” which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. “Http://” is not secure.
PERSONAL INFORMATION IS LIKE MONEY, VALUE IT, PROTECT IT
1) Remember me not: Make sure the “remember me” function is not enabled when you are using a public computer.
2) Delete your browsing history: Simply use the browser tools available to delete your cookies and history when you are finished using a public computer.
3) Log out: Anyone can access public computers, and you wouldn’t want just anyone to have access to your personal information and accounts. Close all browser tabs and log out of your accounts when you are done using a public device.
We hope these tips are useful, and that they can help you keep a clean machine! For any further advice or guidance on cyber security topics please contact us and we shall be happy to assist you or your crews with more information on this important part of the maritime IT environment.