Aybars Oruç is a professional with ten years of experience across seafaring and office roles. His career began in maritime high school, where his interest in both marine engineering and cybersecurity first developed. Combining his passion for technology and maritime operations, Dr. Oruç has built a career focused on enhancing maritime cybersecurity.

Throughout his career, Dr. Oruç has navigated the complexities of maritime operations, from maintaining ship machinery at sea to managing regulatory compliance in office roles. This diverse background equips him to bridge practical maritime experience with strategic approaches to cybersecurity. His master’s thesis on maritime cybersecurity, written at a time when the field was still emerging, reflects his commitment to addressing the industry's evolving needs.

At the Estonian Maritime Academy, Dr. Oruç is part of a research team working on critical projects that aim to improve cybersecurity within maritime sectors, particularly for governmental organizations. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to cybersecurity, highlighting the challenges faced by ports, ships, and offices. The academy is also collaborating with international partners, such as the Singapore University of Technology and Design, to advance research in this vital area.

For Dr. Oruç, education and ongoing training are crucial to mitigating cyber risks in the maritime industry. “Cybersecurity training must be tailored, regularly updated, and followed by assessments to be effective,” he said, underlining the need for a proactive approach to protect maritime operations.

Read the full interview with Dr. Oruç