The Port of Ostend in Belgium was hit by a cyberattack on the night of Monday, February 10. The attack primarily targeted the Port community system known as ‘Ensor,’ which is responsible for managing information related to ship arrivals and departures, as well as crew lists. While this system was compromised, the Port assured that no critical data was contained within it, thus mitigating concerns about more sensitive information being exposed or compromised.
Despite the disruption to the Ensor system, operations at the Port of Ostend remained unaffected. Other critical systems at the port were not impacted by the cyberattack, and the port’s day-to-day activities, including logistics and operations, continued without interruption.
This has been a crucial factor in ensuring that the attack did not cause significant disruptions to international shipping or the Port’s broader operations.
Following the breach, the Port of Ostend took swift action to address the situation. A team of internal experts, supported by external cybersecurity specialists, was immediately mobilized to assess and mitigate the damage. Their primary focus has been on restoring the Ensor system and ensuring that the vulnerability exploited in the attack is sealed to prevent further incidents.
While the full scope and origin of the cyberattack are still under investigation, the Port of Ostend has prioritized transparency and quick recovery. They are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the system and are working diligently to prevent future occurrences.
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