But sometimes with beneficial advancement also come issues that occasionally need to be addressed. And that’s certainly the case with technology, as one of its big challenges is being able to keep data and information safe and secure. Things such as ransomware, spyware, phishing and computer viruses are all issues that companies big and small that use various forms of technology sometimes have to deal with.
Realizing this, and in a continual effort to serve the needs of our readers, the print version of Pacific Maritime will debut a new maritime cybersecurity column in its August issue. The column, which will run in every other issue, will tackle various issues. Upcoming columns are planned on the following topics:
- Introduction to Maritime Cyber Security – International Maritime Organization and US Coast Guard Guidance.
- Ransomware - What is it and why is it an Issue for Maritime?
- What is the USCG Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA)?
- How to Perform a Cyber Risk Assessment.
Ernie, who’s an industrial control systems cyber and physical security subject matter expert, previously was a cybersecurity lead at Canada-based BBA Inc.; an executive consultant with Alexandria, Va.-based Securicon; before that, he was managing principal, critical infrastructure protection/cybersecurity with Verizon.
Prior to Verizon, Ernie was the information security strategic advisor in the compliance office at Seattle City Light. He was also the chief information security officer for the Port of Seattle.
He also previously held several significant management positions in both business management and the information security management arenas. He was president and CEO of Bellevue, Wash.- based MCM Enterprise, an advanced sensor technology company for the hydroelectric sector; he was IT security lead for the Seattle Justice Information System in the Seattle Municipal Court and Seattle Police Department; he was director of security services for Alstom Esca software; executive director for the Electric Power Research Institute covering western U.S. and Canadian operations; and a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy qualified as a nuclear engineer and surface warfare officer.
Ernie has extensive experience in industrial controls security, the power utility industry, critical infrastructure protection/information security, cybercrime and cyberwarfare. He is also a noted writer and speaker on the topic of industrial controls cyber and physical security, as well as the nuances of critical infrastructure protection.
And if all that wasn’t enough, Ernie is also an accomplished photographer; one of the latest examples of his work can be found on the cover of the August issue of Pacific Maritime’s sister publication, Fishermen’s News.
So, with all that said, I’d like to officially welcome Ernie to the Maritime Publishing team, and I look forward to reading his expert insight on maritime cybersecurity every other month. Considering all the cybersecurity threats now out there in the maritime industry as well as the world at large, the launch of his column is a very timely one.
Managing Editor Mark Nero can be reached at: mark@maritimepublishing.com
