Cyber-MAR Project Progress Report
The first review meeting for the Cyber-MAR project took place on 10 November. The World Maritime University (WMU) is leader of Work Package 6, focused on training and awareness activities. The WMU team presented the progression of the work to date and achievement of the outlined goals within the work package during this first year of the project.
The objectives of the 36-month project state: “Cyber-MAR is an effort to fully unlock the value of using cyber range in the maritime logistics value chain via the development of an innovative simulation environment adapting in the peculiarities of the maritime sector, but being at the same time easily applicable in other transport subsectors.” A combination of innovative technologies make up the proposed Cyber-MAR platform which is knowledge-based, as well as a decision support tool for cybersecurity measures utilizing novel risk analysis and econometric models.
Work package 6 (WP6) focuses on training and awareness activities that include the launch of complementary courses that cover the training needs for all relevant professionals (ports, shipping operators, etc.). The first Cyber-MAR training opportunity will take place 24-26 November addressing cyber security threats and basic concepts for reducing cyber risk in the maritime sector. The training is suitable for cyber-security/IT experts as well as non-IT-expert personnel of ports, shipping operators and linked entities influenced by possible cascading effects to raise the cyber-threat awareness level within those organisations through hands-on training.
All physical and virtual training sessions will take into account experience, such as level of IT expertise. Regional training opportunities tailored to the local needs (e.g. local languages, awareness levels etc.) will also eventually be offered in the countries of the project partners.
In addition to leading WP6, WMU is contributing to the development and validation of econometric models, providing meaningful information and insights for the Cyber-MAR community stakeholders with a focus on insurance companies and governmental bodies.
Cyber-Mar falls under Horizon 2020: Secure Societies – Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens, under the call SU-DS-2018-2019-2020. Participation in the project supports WMU’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 focused on inclusive and equitable quality education for all, as well as Goal 9 focused on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. WMU’s maritime research agenda is further strengthened by contributing to the Cyber-Mar project, in particular the “Maritime Safety and Security”, and “Maritime Energy Management” Research Priority Areas.
WMU Assistant Professor, Dr. Fabio Ballini, is the Principal Investigator for the project. WMU staff contributing to the project include Dr. Aykut I. Ölçer, Professor and Director of Research; Dr. Dimitrios Dalaklis, Associate Professor; Dr. Alessandro Schönborn, Assistant Professor; Dr. Monica Canepa, Project Officer; and Seyed Vahid Vakili, Research Assistant.
For more information about the Cyber-MAR project, visit: www.cyber-mar.eu