ABB Marine and Ports has unveiled a new cybersecurity laboratory in time for stricter IMO measures due to come into force on January 1 2021.
The company said the new laboratory features hardware and software developed to help shipowners and operators combat the maritime industry’s growing cybersecurity risks.
With the growing popularity of smarter, more connected systems, the IMO has said all shipping companies must demonstrate that cyberthreats are part of every vessel’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) risk assessment from the beginning of 2021.
Ahmed Hassan, Head of Cybersecurity, ABB Marine and Ports, said, “Cyber security is not a product but an evolving target which needs constant monitoring, managing and updating.
“As a single vendor offering operating technology (OT) and cyber security, we recognize that managing cyber security is a careful balance between risk, functionality and cost.
“The principles of cyber security must apply across all maritime stakeholders, from designers and builders, to owners, operators and crew; and from classification societies to universities and research bodies, government departments and insurers.”
ABB Marine & Ports’ new laboratory will offer cyber security support for shipping companies at all stages of digitalization and has the flexibility to meet various levels of cyber security requirements.
While some companies may only require a one-off assessment of existing OT installations, others may need a long-term approach with continuing support.
Among the features offered at the cybersecurity centre will be reference architecture that targets network segmentation and segregation and an ability to monitor network traffic and act in vulnerabilities.
“Our systems have been developed to address the very latest threats and solutions available in cyber risk management,” Hassan concluded.
“The new cyber lab confirms our position as a front-runner in the field of maritime security compliance.”
