In today’s digital era, the harmonious integration of software and industry practices is critical for the expansion and efficiency of any business operation. However, this progress is accompanied by the looming threat of cyberattacks. Protecting digital assets has now become a vital aspect of the maritime industry. As we set sail toward the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we want to shed light on how we ensure the safety of our customers’ data and how we continuously protect that data from cybersecurity breaches.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
While the calendar designates this as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Helm’s commitment to cybersecurity goes beyond the 31 days of October – it has always been a core component of our solutions. This commitment has led to our pursuit of the ISO/IEC 27001 Certification, a universally acknowledged standard for information security management systems. Our goal is to have this certification done by the end of year.
How We Stay Cyber-Safe and Cyber-Aware
Since our inception, we’re proud to boast an impeccable record, never having fallen short in any audit or questionnaire regarding our cybersecurity practices. While annual audits have long been our customary practice, we are now intensifying our efforts with quarterly audits, further reinforcing our commitment to the continuous protection of customer data.
Yet, cybersecurity is not just about paperwork and audits; it’s a cultural commitment that we hold in high regard. We conduct weekly cybersecurity lessons during company meetings and keep our employees engaged and informed through a specialized episodic training program that keeps our staff engaged and informed on how to best stay cyber-aware.
In the words of Mike Lord, Director of IT Services at Helm Operations, “You can put in place all the software procedures in the world, but, in the end, it’s the people and their awareness that prevent cybersecurity attacks. Because of that, at Helm, we live and breathe cybersecurity awareness.”
Best Practices
It’s everyone’s responsibility to maintain good cybersecurity practices, in this spirit here are three ways to bolster your cybersecurity practices:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA across your digital platforms to add an additional layer of security. This widely recommended practice ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorized access is thwarted.
- Regular Software Updates and Patch Management: Stay vigilant by keeping your software and systems up-to-date. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, making regular updates crucial in fortifying your defenses.
- Employee Training and Awareness: Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness among your team. Regular training and awareness programs are essential for building a human firewall against cyber threats.
As we continue to grow in today’s digital age, we encourage you to stay cyber-safe, cyber-aware. In the meantime, we’ll be doing the same – doing everything we can to keep up to date with the best cybersecurity practices and keeping our customers’ data protected. Happy Helm-ing!
