USCG’s 2015 Honolulu Maritime Cyber Security Exercise goes live

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Honolulu is conducting the 2015 Honolulu Maritime Cyber Security Exercise at the University of Hawai’I (UH) at Manoa campus during the week.

The latest event, which is the first of its kind USCG maritime cyber-security exercise, is being conducted in the wake of recent cyber attacks Sony Corporation, Target and Home Depot.

UH has collaborated with the USCG and the Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) to create the practical exercise as an interactive simulation of maritime industrial computer systems and networks mainly targeting the Hawai’i container cargo distribution system.

UH president David Lassner said: "USCG and UH share the common goal of minimising the cybercrime that compromises our systems.

"Our collaboration will enable students to enhance their awareness of information technology practises to defend in a controlled environment network."

Mainly aimed at examining the affect on port operations and maritime industry when hit by cyber attacks, the exercise will simulate cyber events on the Hawai’i maritime industry infrastructure to detect, assess and implement advancements to boost protection of critical infrastructure of maritime networks.

UH assistant faculty specialist Gerald Lau said: "The information and computer sciences students and dedicated community services volunteers are offered this opportunity to build a cyber range, learn from the exercise and earn semester credit.

The exercise will see participation from Hawai’i based maritime partners alongside others from California, Texas and other federal government agencies.