Marlink Cyber: A Proactive Approach to Digital Security

In a strategic move to address the escalating landscape of cyber threats, Marlink announced on April 2nd the
creation of Marlink Cyber, a dedicated cybersecurity company. This new division will
focus on delivering services and solutions designed to tackle emerging cyber challenges across various
sectors.With a team of 150 experts, Marlink Cyber aims to provide proactive cybersecurity measures,
particularly for industries like energy, maritime, and humanitarian organizations.

Strategic Security operations and Threat Intelligence

marlink Cyber will operate multiple Security Operations Centers (SOCs) in key global locations. These
socs, including the original maritime SOC, will provide proactive services, helping customers understand and
adapt their security posture. The company intends to utilize cross-functional resources, sharing intelligence
to offer comprehensive cybersecurity protection. this approach is critical for industries facing complex security
vulnerabilities, levels of safety, anticipated threats, and adherence to industry best practices.

This advancement is especially relevant to the U.S. due to the increasing dependence of its critical infrastructure
on digital systems.Such as, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in 2021 highlighted the vulnerability of
the U.S. energy sector. Marlink Cyber’s proactive threat intelligence and security services could offer vital
protection against similar attacks in the maritime and energy sectors.

Adherence to the NIST Framework

Marlink Cyber will operate based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity
framework, specifically focusing on the core functions of ‘Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover,
Govern.’ This framework provides a structured approach to managing cyber risk, enabling Marlink Cyber to assist
clients in building operational resilience, complying with regulations, and making informed investments for maximum
impact.

The NIST framework is widely adopted in the U.S. and serves as a benchmark for cybersecurity best practices.
By aligning with this framework, Marlink Cyber ensures its services meet the standards expected by U.S.
businesses and government agencies.

“With more and more industries embracing digitalization, Marlink Cyber answers a critical need for proactive
cyber security that can definitely help our customers address emerging threats. By combining our resources into a single
dedicated entity, we can ease our customers’ pain points and support their strategies with highly effective
managed solutions and services.”

Maritime Cyber Threat Report: A Warning Sign

A global maritime cyber threat report released last year by Marlink’s SOC revealed alarming statistics,
registering 23,400 malware detections and 178 ransomware detections in the first half of 2024. Monitoring
over 1,800 vessels during this period,the SOC observed a “meaningful” increase in malicious activity compared
to the previous year. This data highlights the urgency and importance of marlink Cyber’s mission. The proactive
monitoring may help to avoid cyber threats and allow for preemptive measures to be put in place.

These findings underscore the vulnerability of the maritime industry, a critical component of global trade and
supply chains. A cyberattack on a major port, for example, could have significant economic consequences, disrupting
shipping, causing delays, and resulting in financial losses for U.S. businesses.

Implications for U.S. Companies and Critical Infrastructure

The launch of Marlink Cyber has significant implications for U.S. companies, particularly those operating in
the maritime, energy, and humanitarian sectors. These sectors are increasingly reliant on digital technologies,
making them attractive targets for cyberattacks.

• Maritime Industry: U.S. ports and shipping companies face increasing cyber threats, including
  malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Marlink Cyber’s maritime SOC can provide real-time threat
  intelligence and proactive security measures to protect vessels,port facilities,and supply chains.
• Energy Sector: The U.S. energy sector, including oil and gas pipelines, power grids, and renewable
  energy facilities, is a critical infrastructure target. Marlink Cyber’s expertise in operational resilience
  and compliance with regulations can help energy companies strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
• Humanitarian Organizations: U.S.-based humanitarian organizations operating globally are vulnerable
  to cyberattacks that can disrupt their operations and compromise sensitive data. Marlink Cyber’s services
  can definitely help these organizations protect their networks, devices, and data, ensuring they can continue to provide
  essential aid to those in need.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

Some may argue that existing cybersecurity solutions are sufficient to address the growing threats, but the
increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the specific vulnerabilities of sectors like maritime require
specialized expertise. Marlink Cyber’s focus on these specific industries, combined with its proactive threat
intelligence and adherence to the NIST framework, provides a more robust and tailored approach to cybersecurity.

Recent Developments in Cybersecurity

Recent developments in the cybersecurity landscape include the rise of AI-powered cyberattacks, the increasing
use of cloud-based services, and the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. Marlink Cyber will need to
stay ahead of these trends and adapt its services accordingly to remain effective.

Practical Applications and Future Outlook

Marlink cyber’s services have practical applications for a wide range of U.S. organizations,including:

• Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
• Developing and implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures
• Providing security awareness training for employees
• Monitoring networks and systems for suspicious activity
• Responding to and recovering from cyber incidents

The future outlook for Marlink cyber is positive,as the demand for cybersecurity services is expected to continue
to grow. By focusing on specific industries, providing proactive solutions, and staying ahead of emerging threats,
Marlink Cyber has the potential to become a leading provider of cybersecurity services in the U.S. and globally.