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Ten years or so ago, when the University of Plymouth ran their first cybersecurity symposium, the number attendees barely made double figures.

This week, held in the main hall of the International Maritime Organization on London’s Albert Embankment, the same event attracted more than 300, from shipping companies in almost every sector.

Clearly, the topic has gained attention and traction, partly down to the repeated warnings of horror stories the industry continues to receive, right the way up to hackers being able to remotely control very large crude carriers.

There have been several high-profile cyber incidents in shipping since the devastating NotPetya attack which cost Maersk more than $250m in 2017.

The Port of Seattle, the Port of Lisbon and class society DNV can all count themselves of cyber attacks in the last two years.

But the apocalyptic vision that has been painted for the industry time and time again hasn’t materialised yet.

So, how worried should we really be about cybersecurity in shipping?

Joining Joshua on the podcast this week are:

Kevin Jones, professor of computer science and director of the Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group, University of Plymouth

Daniel Ng, chief executive of Cyberowl

Svante Einarsson, head of cybersecurity maritime for EMEA and APAC, DNV

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, maritime chief executive, DNV