Cyber-attacks on ports have become an increasing threat, with numerous attacks on ports around the world during the last year. There is a global awareness of the need for cybersecurity for port infrastructure. Ports around the globe have opened cybersecurity centers to improve their abilities, preparedness and recovery. Recently a maritime cyber security coalition was launched to improve information sharing between the organization's users and additional activities.
Today a meeting took place at Ashdod Port, with Gaby Portnoy, Director-General of the National Cyber Directorate, Shaul Schneider, Chairman of the Board of Ashdod Port, and Eli Bar-Yosef, Acting CEO of Ashdod Port. In the meeting an LOI agreement was signed to increase collaboration on cybersecurity and to promote joint projects on the national and international level, including the possibility of opening a cybersecurity school, scouting technology, cyber solutions for the cruise industry, and more.
Ashdod Port's Innovation Department, headed by Roy Avrahami, excels in port cybersecurity, offering proven solutions from some of the leading startups in this field. In addition, the port's technology incubator is working on many international projects. There are a number of Israeli startups collaborating with the Innovation Department that can offer cybersecurity solutions, including Cyber2.0, Enigmatos, Salvador, EasySec Solutions and Global Computers Team.
Dudi Amsalem, Minister of Regional Cooperation, who is responsible for the Companies Authority: “This collaboration is very important and essential, definitely at a time of security sensitivity. We are presently facing numerous threats, from all directions and in all areas, and any activity that help address the threats, is a positive. I salute and thank the workers of Ashdod Port and the National Cyber Directorate, for the collaboration and your wonderful, dedicated and professional work. The State of Israel owes is indebted to you, well done!"
Gaby Portnoy, Director-General of the National Cyber Directorate: “The threats in the maritime sector are increasing and this includes cyber threats. The Innovation Center in Ashdod will advance innovative inventions that will offer solutions to the shipping industry and for communications between the sea and the port, so we stay one step ahead of the attackers and maintain functional continuity, which is so important at this time of war".
Shaul Schneider, Chairman of the Board of Ashdod Port: “I congratulate you on this collaboration between Ashdod Port and an important entity such as the National Cyber Directorate. We are in a very challenging period for the industry, and I am sure that our investment in the cyber field, as a part of the port's growth engine, will bring new developments for the Israeli ecosystem and on the international level as well".
Eli Bar-Yosef, Acting CEO of Ashdod Port: “Ashdod Port has resources, preparedness and experience with cyber technologies. Through the Innovation Division we are working to provide solutions and reinforce existing technologies, especially related to cybersecurity. Working more closely with the National Cyber Directorate will help develop this field".
