Participate in a Groundbreaking Study: Investigating the Effectiveness of Maritime Cyber Security Regulations in South Africa

Attention Maritime Industry Professionals in South Africa,

You are invited to participate in an important research study examining the effectiveness of cyber security regulations within South Africa’s maritime sector. This study, led by researchers at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role that current cybersecurity regulations play in the maritime industry and explore avenues for improvement.

Why This Study Matters

As technology continues to transform the global maritime sector, the need for effective cybersecurity regulations becomes increasingly critical. Cyber threats pose unique risks to the maritime industry, affecting everything from navigation systems to cargo handling. In response, many countries, including South Africa, have implemented regulations aimed at safeguarding maritime operations. However, the effectiveness of these regulations is not yet fully understood, particularly within the South African context.

This study aims to:

1. Evaluate the current effectiveness of cyber security regulations within South Africa’s maritime sector.
2. Identify key challenges impacting the implementation of these regulations.
3. Recommend strategies to enhance the adoption and application of cyber security regulations in maritime operations.

Who Should Participate?

We are looking to enrol ten professionals actively involved in the maritime industry within South Africa. Participants will be asked to share their insights and experiences regarding cyber security challenges, the effectiveness of existing regulations, and their thoughts on strategies to strengthen the industry’s resilience against cyber threats.

What Participation Involves

• Interview Format: A semi-structured interview will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, covering 12 targeted questions about cyber security regulations in the maritime domain.
• Time Commitment: The interview is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes.
• Confidentiality: All responses will be kept confidential, and data will be anonymized to ensure participant privacy.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in contributing to this study, please:

1. Complete the attached gatekeeper letter.
2. Forward it to Ms. Makoela at 224064477@stu.ukzn.ac.za (UKZN – School of Accounting, Economics and Finance).

By participating, you’ll help shape the future of South Africa’s maritime security landscape, providing critical insights that could drive policy enhancements and improve industry resilience against cyber threats.

We greatly appreciate your consideration and potential involvement in this study. Your expertise could play a pivotal role in ensuring the security and sustainability of South Africa’s maritime sector.