William Doyle, a Federal Maritime Commissioner based in Washington DC, has warned shipping lines to be on alert for cyber attacks, saying that if Maersk can be hit, anyone can.
Maersk, Denmark’s largest shipping group, was hit hard by the Petya ransomware attack three and a half weeks ago, and is still not able to operate 100% normally.
In a statement yesterday, Doyle said that Petya should serve as a “teachable moment” for all entities in the maritime and logistics transportation chain.
“This cyber attack happened to Maersk, the largest ocean carrier in the world. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone—all of us need to redouble your efforts and secure the best IT system protections,” Doyle urged.
Doyle was speaking as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) approved Maersk Line’s petition for temporary exemption to service contract filings in the wake of the Petya attack.
