Published on November 22nd, 2019 | by Sunit Nandi

The Importance of Maritime Cybersecurity

As the world is approaching complete digitization, the threats of a cybersecurity breach are also increasing. As a consequence, it has become a big concern to maintain cybersecurity. Even in the maritime industry, the management of shipping and all off-shore operations are now conducted in cyberspace.

With diverse ways of cyber attacks and vulnerabilities present all around us, it is equally vital for us to have such diverse methods of combat. Combining the traditional IT security practices with an in-depth knowledge of maritime systems, the Maritime cybersecurity has several usage and functionalities, as stated below:

Physical security

Maritime cybersecurity offers physical security in case of any breach. All the sensitive areas of OT or IT control sections are securely locked. To block all unauthorized access, special safety equipment is also used.

Detection, blocking, and alerts

The prime function of maritime cybersecurity is to manage the data flow and set a threshold for alerts. A firewall is used to identify the threats and get rid of them immediately.

Satellite and radio communication

With the maritime communication medium, sensitive information is shared. The navigation and control systems are all vulnerable. Thus, data security companies give special attention to the encryption of communication channels.

Wireless access control

The cybersecurity team ensures that the wireless access control devices are restricted to a few authorized people only. This prevents illegitimate use of data from the wireless world.

Malware detection

Softwares to detect malware and virus are used to protect the onboard machines. They also protect you from the vulnerabilities of a data breach. On a network, no device should have malicious traits, or else, the software will detect them.

Complete control of hardware and software

Not all machines should have the essential user profiles. It should be accessible by the senior officers for the least possibility of illegitimate data exchange.

Email and web browser protection

An essential part of the ship’s operation is its communication with the shore, through emails. An email is a very sensitive entity that protects both the shoreside and onboard authorities. It can have data with evidence of text or voice, encrypted to ensure complete security. Thus, no malicious behavior is encouraged, making it essential for every ship to have maritime cybersecurity.

Data recovery capability

cybersecurity services come in handy when there has been a solid breakdown, and you have lost all your visible data. They can restore data with maximum possibility, using reliable coding and software. There are backup facilities as well, to manage to get over a cyber attack. There are OT systems with very high data requirements and are needed to maintain navigation. The cybersecurity team creates a backup of such sensitive data so that it can quickly be regained, ensuring a safe sail.

Patch management

The software security patches roll regular updates to the onboard systems. There are ordinary and critical patches available for different systems, which stand as a shield to a cyber attack. The cybersecurity team helps in the installation of these patches. If the installation fails, virtual patching techniques are implemented.

Tags: importance, maritime

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.