Addressing Maritime Workforce Cybersecurity Skills Development
摘要
The field of cybersecurity is evolving, and with the digitalisation of all areas of life, the shortage of skilled professionals poses a critical challenge to the maritime sector as it does to other sectors. In the past decades, the world changed more in technology than the workforce could keep pace with it. This chapter delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the cybersecurity workforce gap, emphasising that the solution cannot rely solely on traditional higher education or upskilling within the existing IT sector. Cybersecurity poses challenges to all aspects of the economy and industry. Drawing insights from industry reports and expert opinions, the narrative underscores the limited pool of cybersecurity professionals, and the risks associated with a transient workforce. A paradigm shift is needed in the foreseeable future, asserting that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that transcends industry boundaries. Maritime, as other sectors, will prevail and be resilient if the people working within will reach a desired level of awareness themselves, from pioneering work in seafarers’ cybersecurity education to involving diverse fields will have transformative impact. The solution lies in the role of governing bodies, and businesses in fostering cyber awareness, to reach a holistic strategy encompassing early education, collaboration across sectors, and a collective commitment to cyber hygiene. Ultimately, the vision is that there will be a future where cybersecurity is seamlessly integrated into various professional skill sets, transcending its current status as a distinct specialisation.