The Office of the Commissioner of Communications – Digital Security Authority (DSA) in collaboration with the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) and Open University of Cyprus, successfully completed on September 16 & 17 a pioneering two-day exercise in maritime cybersecurity "Cybershark 2.0: Maritime Tabletop & Cyber Range Exercise".
Cybershark 2.0 adopted an innovative hybrid format, combining a Tabletop Exercise for strategic decision-making with a hands-on Cyber Range. This approach allowed participants to move from theory to practice, gaining a realistic and multidimensional experience.
The exercise was held at the ICT Academy – Office of the Commissioner of Communications in Nicosia, with over 40 industry executives, cybersecurity experts, and regulatory bodies from Cyprus and Israel participating. During the exercise, participants were tested on simulated cyberattack scenarios targeting the maritime sector, while also collaborating to develop effective response strategies.
Key Takeaways and Areas for Improvement
The exercise provided valuable insights into the maritime sector's readiness to face cyber threats, highlighting key areas that require improvement:
✔ Collaboration & Information Sharing: Cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial for addressing cyber threats.
✔ Preparedness: It is essential to prepare procedures and secure necessary resources (legal support, insurance) in advance of a crisis.
✔ Regulatory Relations: Strengthening cooperation with regulatory authorities is critical for aligning security strategies with evolving policies.
✔ Communication Readiness: Communication teams must be fully prepared to manage cyber incidents, with clear guidance from senior management.
The Future: A Commitment to Cyber Resilience
Cybershark 2.0 has significantly enhanced participants' capabilities in responding to cyberattacks. The goal is to establish the exercise as an annual tradition to strengthen the cyber resilience of the maritime sector in Cyprus and the wider region.
