- A cyber risk solution based contract is awarded by the European Space Agency (ESA) to CYSEC.
- Th contract aims at developing a solution mitigating the cyber risks related to ship tracking using satellite communication.
- CYSEC SA has established a consortium to develop and test the potential solutions composed of U-blox.
- CYSEC’s objective of securing maritime communications is a natural extension of its current activities in IoT and Space.
- GNSS and AIS signals use satellites and are regarded as critical.
- This improves the safety of maritime navigation and the reliability of data for downstream services.
A recently published article in CYSEC deals with the strengthening of the cyber security by CYSEC SA, a cybersecurity company from Switzerland for European Space Agency (ESA).
A sea of vulnerabilities
The digital revolution also impacts the shipping industry by integrating automated navigation, cargo-tracking systems and digital platforms which facilitate operations, trade and the exchange of data. To achieve this transformation, the mitigation of cybersecurity risks is critical.
- There are vulnerabilities in many existing maritime communication systems that could lead to dramatic consequences when under a cyber-attack.
- In particular, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) provided by multiple satellite constellations has been the subject of spoofing and jamming attacks that led to a partial or total loss of the ability to locate ships at sea.
- Such a failure can be disastrous if the ship is, for example, navigating narrow straits or near the shore.
- Another critical piece of equipment on board is the Automatic Identification System (AIS). It tracks every ship in the world and whose data is used by numerous organizations and downstream services such as insurance companies.
- Ships have used multiple techniques to tamper with AIS data and entered zones from which they are legally excluded, for fishing or performing other illegal activities.
GNSS and AIS signals
Both GNSS and AIS signals use satellites and are regarded as critical to improve the safety of maritime navigation and the reliability of data for downstream services. CYSEC SA will lead a feasibility study through its secured servers to investigate the protection of both GNSS and Satellite-AIS (SAT-AIS) communications.
A consortium developed by CYSEC
CYSEC SA has established a consortium to develop and test the potential solutions composed of U-blox. It is a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies for the automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Gomspace, a globally leading designer, integrator and manufacturer of high-end nanosatellites for customers in the academic, government and commercial markets. The team will work under the guidance of both ESA and European maritime stakeholders.
CYSEC’s objective of securing maritime communications is a natural extension of its current activities in IoT and Space. Its flagship product ARCA is already used to protect communications to satellites and connected devices on ground.
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Source: CYSEC
