Israel-based cyber security specialist Naval Dome has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lloyd’s Register (LR) to establish standards and guidelines for maritime cyber defence.
As part of the collaboration agreement, LR will carry out a series of pilot tests using the company’s cyber security software onboard an LR-classed vessel. The Naval Dome system claims to be the first multi-layer cyber defence solution developed specifically for maritime applications.
Ran Merkazy, Vice President – Product & Services Innovation (CTO Group), LR, said: ‘The objective is to establish standards around cyber defence in the maritime space, utilising Naval Dome’s expertise. We will then test the system with our customers to make sure that it provides the requisite level of security without disruption to their systems and operations.’
Achilles’ Heel
Itai Sela, Chief Executive Officer, Naval Dome, said: ‘The lack of guidelines and standards for creating a more secure maritime environment is the shipping industry’s Achilles’ heel. With human operator error the cause of a significant number of security breaches, the MoU we have signed with LR will help create a more effective end-to-end solution for cyber defence.’
Minimal Human Intervention
Using intelligence agency security technology, Naval Dome’s device blocks internal and external cyber-attacks to provide maximum protection with minimal human intervention. It integrates with existing systems and software, providing real-time cyber alerts and blocks malicious files to prevent unauthorised access to critical systems and data.
Ship’s Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks Demonstrated
Independent of the LR collaboration, Naval Dome has already successfully demonstrated a ship’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
‘Our software engineering team performed a series of cyber-attacks on live navigation systems, engines and other machinery control systems. The attack was able to shift the vessel’s reported position, mislead the radar display, turn on and disable machinery, and override the fuel control, steering and ballast systems. In a second test using the Naval Dome software, we carried out the same attack but were unable to penetrate any of the ship’s systems,’ said Sela.
Watch a video by Naval Dome demonstrating how a cyber attack may occur and what the risks are below.
Picture: Cyber attackers can shift a vessel’s reported position, mislead the radar display, turn on and disable machinery, and override the fuel control, steering and ballast systems.
