ABS Cyber Security Advisor Delivers Keynote at ONS 2018

(Stavanger) ABS Cyber Security Senior Advisor Cris DeWitt delivered a keynote address alongside Former US Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff at the Critical Infrastructure and Cyber event at Offshore North Sea (ONS) 2018. 

Hosted by The Ambassador of the United States of America to Norway, RADM Kenneth J. Braithwaite, USN (ret), the U.S. Embassy’s Sections for Public Affairs,

Political & Economic Affairs, the U.S. Commercial Service and ABS, the high-profile discussion examined critical infrastructure and cyber risk in offshore energy environments.

Chertoff, who headed the US Department of Homeland Security between 2005 and 2009, gave a keynote address focusing on cyber security policy as well as cyber issues related to the Internet of Things (IoT).  DeWitt articulated strategies to reduce cyber risk on maritime assets, specifically for operational technology (OT) systems which control core functions on offshore platforms related to drilling and production operations.

The ABS groundbreaking methodology to measure cyber security risk associated with OT is known as the FCI Cyber Risk™ Model.  The proprietary model provides offshore and marine clients a calculated risk index for offshore units and marine vessels across an organization. The index quantifies cyber security risk and provides owners and operators an actionable strategy to reduce cyber risk, allowing operators to target cyber security investments across their assets.

“The unique ABS model simplifies and demystifies OT cyber security giving operators a situational awareness of cyber risk”, says DeWitt. “The offshore oil and gas industry is extremely complex, and there is no need to create further complexity. Our approach to offshore cyber security and the broader safety component is that it should be straightforward to implement, understand, and maintain.” 

About ABS

ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.