New software and hardware will protect shipping information and operational technologies, reports Riviera Maritime Media.
GTMaritime reinforces maritime cyber security
GTMaritime is reinforcing maritime cyber security with its new version of GTDeploy software. This program enables shipowners and operators to send and install software updates and security patches remotely, which is a vital part of cyber protection for computer networks and operating technology (OT) on vessels.
GTDeploy helps shipping companies to identify and address gaps in software security, reducing the risk of security breaches by lowering potential entry points for hackers to exploit.
GTMaritime’s latest version of GTDeploy has several updates, including a new user interface and a revised workflow. Interface updates include a new search function to simplify navigation and display system resource information such as disk space, hardware, network and operating system details. Other features enhance the deployment of fleetwide software updates.
GTDeploy has automation to enable software deployment management to be rules-based and helps owners to customise installations across a fleet. GTMaritime added a one-click deployment and installation feature and new attribute functions to replace tagging, enabling targeted distribution of software updates. Abstract tagging has also been replaced with customised attributes for vessels and workstations.
“When it comes to cyber security, just one piece of out-of-date software can put a vessel at risk of a cyber attack,” said GTMaritime operations director Jamie Jones. “Software updates are vital to patch security holes, fix and remove bugs and add new features to improve operations.”
Greater levels of cyber protection
Mr Jones said GTMaritime would continuously monitor the evolving cyber-security landscape and proactively develop solutions with the greatest levels of cyber protection.
“The latest version of GTDeploy provides customers with greater control over software updates,” he added. “The redesigned user interface and new automation and customisable functions have simplified the process to make the deployment of updates even easier to ensure continued fleetwide security.”
GTDeploy operates over GTMaritime’s secure data transfer platform FastNet, which provides additional security while optimising data streams between ship and shore. Software installed by GTDeploy can be automatically updated when a newer version is available.
Elcome’s new tool to prevent malware, viruses and corrupted files
Elcome International has produced a new secure tool to prevent malware, viruses or corrupted files from being introduced into ships’ navigational computers. This bridge system protection package enables files to be transferred safely without the need for passwords or fingerprint checks.
It includes a protected USB 3.0 flash drive and customisable software, which Elcome said would make it impossible for infected files to be introduced into ECDIS and other networked ship systems when uploading electronic charts and updates.
“A primary potential point of entry for shipboard cyber infections is downloads from shoreside networks,” said Elcome senior manager for charts and publications Kostiantyn Matvieiev. “Electronic nautical charts (ENC), notices to mariners and software updates are delivered to the ship by satellite links when underway or on a DVD when in port,” he explained.
“A USB flash drive is generally used to load these files into the ECDIS computer. If an off-the-shelf unprotected USB is used, it can potentially introduce corrupted files, which can spread throughout the ship’s interconnected network with devastating results,” said Mr Matvieiev.
Technology to ease workload for crew
Elcome’s Bridge Protect client software automatically locks the flash drive with a low-level file system. This leaves no empty memory space in the USB storage medium, preventing transfer of harmful files inadvertently into the ship’s computer.
“As the shipping industry transitions from paper charts and publications to ENCs and electronic media, there is an increasing danger of disabling cyber attacks that can threaten the ship’s safety at sea,” said Elcome executive director Jimmy Grewal.
He said the company was “committed to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to protect ships’ systems and ease the workload for crews without compromising safety of navigation.”
Elcome is a key authorised distributor of UK Hydrographic Office Admiralty navigation products in the Middle East.
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Source: Riviera Maritime Media
