[130218.EN.BIZ] Naval Dome Cybersecurity Solution Tested on Zim Boxship

MARITIME cyber defense solution provider, Naval Dome, has successfully completed the pilot testing of its multi-layered cyber security system for Lloyd's Register aboard XT Shipping's Zim Genova.

The 4,300 TEU container ship was operational during the tests, which were supervised by the classification society and bridge systems provider Totem Plus.

Although the Naval Dome system can be installed on multiple ship systems, the tests were confined to a back-up ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) to mitigate against the risk of any system or operational failure. The Naval Dome cyber security system also underwent extensive terrestrial testing with the Totem Plus ECDIS prior to shipboard installation.

The tests demonstrated Naval Dome's ability to thwart rogue and unintended system breaches. This included the detection and alerting of any unapproved media, such as USB sticks, spurious system updates, system anomalies and access by unauthorised personnel, The Maritime Executive of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reported.

System reliability was also verified. During the test period, no system faults were detected, there were no system reboots, no noticeable system latency and zero disruption to vessel operations.

A navigating officer on board the vessel commented that the Naval Dome system made for a "user-friendly ECDIS experience" as there was no operational difference once the cyber security system had been installed.

"We are delighted the tests have demonstrated the performance of the Naval Dome system for Lloyd's Register," said Itai Sela, CEO, Naval Dome. "The pilot project has shown the effectiveness of our system in defending against cyber-attacks, while verifying crew operability and usability. The ship's crew found the technology worked very smoothly, without impacting their day-to-day operations".

A second phase of testing will be carried out in coming months where more extensive penetration tests will also be carried out.

Lloyd's Register's senior surveyor/MMS Auditor, Jerry Li, who oversaw the tests, said: "First phase pilot tests have demonstrated satisfactorily that the Naval Dome cyber security system is effective in protecting ECDIS from a cyber-attack. We found the system provides a level of security without disruption to ship systems and operations. We hope to use the information and experience gained from the Naval Dome tests in the development of guidelines for maritime cyber defence.".

Source : HKSG / Photo : Fleetmon.