IMO Unveils Toolkit to Combat Insider Threats in Maritime

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced a new toolkit aimed at enhancing the shipping industry's response to evolving insider threats.

An insider threat refers to the risk posed by a maritime employee who either inadvertently or deliberately causes or enables a security incident. This can stem from a lack of awareness, complacency, or malicious intent.

Terrorists and organized crime groups constantly seek to exploit weaknesses in the security systems of ports and ships. Insiders, with their privileged access to secure locations, items, or sensitive information, can provide a significant tactical advantage.

To tackle this issue, the IMO collaborated with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to create the Insider Threat Toolkit. The toolkit offers a range of best practice security measures, such as background checks and vetting, access control, patrolling, surveillance, advanced technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence.

Andrew Clarke, a technical officer at the IMO, stated: “We currently face an extremely diverse and challenging set of maritime security threats and risks globally. A one-UN approach involving all partner UN organizations and agencies is critical, and we are grateful to ICAO for their strong support in producing this new toolkit to address the threat of insiders in the maritime sector.”

The toolkit is designed for use by any organization operating in the maritime environment, including maritime administrations, designated authorities, shipping companies, and port operators.