The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced security arrangements at all ports, terminals, shipyards and ships, asking all the Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) of all port facilities to review the security of IT and communications systems to take appropriate measures to prevent and mitigate threats of cyberattacks.
The DGCA directive has asked the security system to be enhanced from MARSEC Level-1 to MARSEC Level-2 with immediate effect.
The advisory to all ports, terminals, and shipyards requires to implementation of heightened maritime security measures, including elevation to International Ship and Port Facility Security Code – ISPS Security Level 2, with immediate effect.
“This directive is issued in the interest of national maritime security and must be treated with utmost urgency and priority. Strict compliance is expected, and any breach will be viewed very seriously,” said the DG Shipping advisory signed by Captain Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor.
Meanwhile, the enhanced security measures at airport operations have led to 27 airports across northern, western, and central India being closed for commercial operations until 5:29 am on Saturday. The Indian carriers cancelled 430 flights, accounting for 3 per cent of the total scheduled flights.
