ABS Wavesight, ActZero alliance to boost cyber-security service

Wavesight said its partnership with ActZero can help counter the threat of cyber attacks and safeguard fleets. ActZero will provide proactive, comprehensive, cyber-security protection to ABS Wavesight clients alongside Wavesight’s portfolio of vessel and voyage management tools.

The alliance ensures maritime sector businesses have access to a powerful and affordable cyber-security service to protect against growing ransomware threats. 

“Offering ABS Wavesight users a cyber solution is not just a natural next step; it’s a necessary one,” said ABS Wavesight chief executive Paul Sells. 

“While digitalised ships can offer powerful insights that help operators improve compliance and manage their journeys, connected IT systems come with risks – especially in today’s landscape. ActZero has deep knowledge of that landscape, and its comprehensive services and commitment to keeping up with hackers’ changing techniques will help ensure maritime organisations are aware of any threats to their operations and ready to respond.”

ActZero leverages precise AI detection to continuously test against the latest attack techniques to achieve best-in-class security outcomes. The company claims a proven threat-eradication time of just 17 minutes, and said it provides a fully managed, round-the-clock service with the people, processes and technology required to secure client vessels and onshore facilities.

“Cyber criminals worldwide have set their sights on disrupting critical infrastructure, and we’ve learned the maritime sector is a prime target,” said ActZero chief executive and co-founder Sameer Bhalotra.

“We’re thrilled to combine ActZero’s proven cyber-security solution with ABS Wavesight’s new technology and join forces to stop cyber attacks on the world’s most critical maritime businesses.”

Cyber security is a major issue in shipping as the industry continues to digitalise and several major firms have reported suffering crippling ransomware attacks, among them industry giants AP Moller-Maersk, MSC, COSCO and CMA CGM. 

This month, Wärtsilä announced it is boosting its cyber-security offering with the launch of a new Fast Recovery tool to allow for business continuity in the event of cyber-security-related incidents and German fleet manager Vega contracted Inmarsat to provide cyber security across its fleet.