In view of increasing (cyber) crime and the significance of protecting people and cargo, security is high on everyone’s agenda in the Dutch ports. Also, or perhaps especially, when it comes to the sharing of data, of course.
In the (port) logistics community, it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to safeguarding the digital infrastructure in the port. It is the responsibility of companies, but perhaps even more so of the people who work at these companies. Frequently, (sub)conscious human actions make it possible to digitally break into systems, leak personal data and steal PIN codes (for example because they have been sent by e-mail).
The call to be able to securely operate in the ports, with reliable parties and data, has spurred Portbase to develop a targeted programme: ‘Securely Sharing Data Together’.
This programme focuses on a chain-wide approach and has been developed in conjunction with government bodies, industry associations, the port authorities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and the port business community. All the parties we work with within this programme can be found in the ‘Partners’ tab on this page.
The approach hinges on three starting points:
Knowing the parties which you do business with and who is authorised to perform specific actions.
Portbase Secure chain
A container release process based on authorisations rather than being in possession of the correct ‘key’ or PINs.
Secure platform
Ongoing investments in the digital security of the Port Community System (PCS).
Why is Portbase launching this programme?
The Portbase programme Secure Data Sharing focuses on reliable information exchange between the various players in the Dutch ports. Increasing crime is putting pressure on the strong position of the Dutch ports as a gateway to Europe. This trend must be stopped at all costs if we are to maintain our strong position and good image in global logistics.
We know that criminals will abuse the weakest link in the chain when it comes to data exchange and try to find out whether a container is in the port or remove a container from the logistics chain process. This is why Portbase has launched the programme Secure Data Sharing.
Why Portbase?
Our Port Community System has facilitated smooth cargo handling in the Dutch ports for almost 20 years. Core processes in these ports rely on a trusted basic infrastructure for storing, accessing and sharing data. The coverage of the Port Community System is high. All shipbrokers and deep-sea terminals are connected, as well as all carriers, as they are obliged to pre-report to the Rotterdam container terminals. For freight forwarders, the coverage is about 50 percent.
This programme focuses on a chain-wide approach, with concrete solutions for secure and reliable sharing of data between the logistics links in the Dutch ports. The main part of the basic infrastructure required to facilitate secure data sharing in the port is already available. The building blocks within this basic infrastructure for secure long-term data sharing in the Dutch ports are in place. This means that the next step for current and future secure data sharing, is mainly a matter of will. The programme Secure Data Sharing will initiate this step through the three lines of action.
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Who are the initiators of this programme?
Portbase has developed this programme jointly with government agencies, industry bodies, the Rotterdam and Amsterdam port authorities and the port business community. View all participants here.
What will I notice as a Portbase customer?
In the first half of 2022, you will receive e-mail and postal communications from us regarding the first step in this comprehensive programme: the requirement for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The use of MFA will become mandatory for everyone in ‘batches’. All Portbase customers will be required to log in using MFA by 1 July. You can read more about how we are increasing security with MFA on the ‘Secure Identities’ page. On our Support page you can read how to perform this additional security check yourself.
In the second half of 2022, you will receive communications from us about ‘secure chains’. We are increasing the security of the container release process by moving to a process based on authorisations rather than on having the appropriate “key” or PIN codes. Depending on your role in the (port) logistics chain, you will ‘authorise’ parties or you will be authorised yourself. If you would you like to know more about this or contribute to the discussion, please contact us at info@portbase.com.
At Portbase Support, you can read about how you, as a Portbase client, you can act right now.
Want to know more?
Please contact us via sales@portbase.com or 088 625 25 34.
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