Type approval-free cyber security for tanker and terminal OT

Israeli cyber security firm Naval Dome has introduced software-based cyber protection for operational technology (OT) on ships, ports and offshore installations.

The security can be installed on navigation and cargo handling equipment and on machinery control systems and comes in two formats. S-Marine Dome was developed to secure ship bridge systems, engine room and propulsion control devices from online threats while S-Port Dome offers cyber protection for port, terminal and offshore energy infrastructure operators.

These software products can be installed without ship and port operators having to go through lengthy type-approval processes and without needing upgrades from system suppliers.

Naval Dome vice president for business development Ido Ben Moshe explained the products are streamlined versions of the company’s T-Marine and T-Port security solutions that already have security level 4 (SL4) certification from classification society DNV GL.

T-Marine products were developed primarily for installation by original equipment manufacturers.

“We introduced the S-Model to provide an easy-to-install, level 2 security solution to offer an immediate remedy to the cyber problem,” said Mr Moshe.

“Until now, there has been little by way of an effective software solution with which operators can use to immediately protect their systems,” he said. “The S-Model fills that void.”

S-Marine and S-Port can be installed on legacy OT and IoT systems or newer systems awaiting upgrade to provide improved cyber protection.

They are compatible with classification society SL2 requirements and all OT systems using computer operating systems.

They block unauthorised network intrusions and executable files from running on the computer inside OT and IT. Only approved, valid files can run on the computer and there is an ’endpoint’ security event logger to defend systems against denial-of-service, ransomware, zero-day and malware attacks.

Cyber security issues will be discussed at two tanker and gas terminal conferences and exhibitions being hosted by Riviera Maritime Media from 26-29 November.

There will be a session on tanker security at the Tanker Shipping & Trade Conference (in London on 26-27 November) with presentations on solutions for safeguarding tanker OT from cyber threats.

This will include presentations by Norton Rose Fulbright partner Philip Roche, Cyber Owl chief executive Daniel Ng and Risk Intelligence chief operating officer Henrik Ehlers Kragh.

Security of fixed and floating gas import and export terminals will be discussed at Riviera’s LNG Ship/Shore Interface Conference Europe also in London during 28-29 November.

Cyber security will also be discussed at Riviera’s Optimised Ship Forum in London on 10 December