North P&I Club's CIO James Holmes Highlights the Importance of Cyber Security & Resilience at this Year's #Cyberfest

James Holmes, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Newcastle-based maritime insurer North P&I Club, has highlighted the importance of cyber security and resilience at this year’s #CyberFest.

James, who is responsible for the security of over 280 employees at North’s Newcastle Quayside based head office and a further 100 employees worldwide, stressed the importance of preparation and said, “We need to plan for when a cyber attack might happen, not if it may happen. With more than half of British firms reporting cyber attacks in 2019*, we can’t sit back and do nothing.”

With these regular reports of high-profile businesses falling victim to cyber crime, it’s the responsibility of every organisation to ensure that they are adequately protected. James said, “North is actively promoting awareness of the importance of cyber security and resilience with employees and the shipowners we insure. The focus has been on three key areas: People, Process and Technology.”

One of North’s strategic objectives is to support the maritime industry in becoming more globally responsible, by educating employees and shipowners to protect their assets and reduce cyber risks. James concluded, “Our purpose at North is to enable the shipowners we insure to trade with confidence and our commitment to delivery and service excellence means that our shipowners have a reliable support structure to keep their business moving forward.”

In 2018, North was awarded the government-backed Cyber Essentials plus accreditation, which is awarded to companies who have successfully implemented systems to protect themselves against cyber threats.

*BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-48017943

ENDS

For further information contact: Kim Rogerson on +44 191 232 5221 / kim.rogerson@nepia.com

North Group

Established in 1860, the North Group – comprising North P&I Club, North of England P&I DAC and Sunderland Marine, is one of the largest marine insurers worldwide.  Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with regional offices and subsidiaries in Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America, the group provides cover against risk and loss at sea, offering immediate, professional support and ongoing technical and legal expertise. Through North’s leading role in the International Group of P&I Clubs, they aim to invest in and shape the future of the maritime industry, working with governments and legislators to provide solutions to some of the biggest challenges faced by ship-owners.

For further information, visit: www.nepia.com