Class verifies ICT cyber security

IQ Solutions has secured type-approval certification from Bureau Veritas (BV) for its VCell fully integrated information and communications technology (ICT) solution, which was specifically designed for the maritime industry.

VCell provides a secure, centralised and multi-functional IT environment on vessels, for digital infrastructure and ship-to-shore communications, enabling these to be managed and administered remotely on a 24-hour basis.

BV provided guidance for its cyber security requirements and protecting critical assets during the early stages of the VCell certification process, including component hardening, user profiles, authentication, encryption, storage, connections and remote access. Rigorous evaluation and monitoring procedures were established to ensure the integrity and availability of information.

BV performed a survey to validate specific points, such as equipment compliance, accounts and security policies, network architecture and security, plus recovery and patch management procedures.

“This certificate is proof that VCell meets BV’s cyber rule requirements,” confirmed BV marine and offshore head of cyber security Vincent Lagny. “This is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the cyber experts from both our companies,” he continued.

“Relationships based on trust are the cornerstone to the way we work with stakeholders to build a solid cyber security eco-system,” Mr Lagny added.

• Achieving digitalisation and complying with cyber security
• Practice prevents destruction after cyber attacks
• Invest in maritime cyber security as you would fire prevention

BV has developed a comprehensive framework for cyber security based on its NR 659 rules on cyber security for the classification of marine units.

IQ Solutions managing director and chief executive Paris Papanastasiou said working with BV ensured VCell is fully compliant with BV’s cyber security rules as a vessel ICT ecosystem.