Veteran shipmanager branches out into cyber risk management

Wallem said VITS was developed to manage ships’ full digital ecosystems, including business networks, onboard computers and internet of things (IoT) systems and includes a 24-hour service desk with remote IT support to assist with issues from shore. If problems cannot be resolved remotely, Wallem said it will deploy engineers to ships.

VITS includes a vulnerability management service, through which the Wallem team scans shipboard computers annually to identify vulnerabilities, then applies patches and security-hardening measures remotely to ensure the vessel’s IT remains secure and compliant.  

Advanced endpoint protection offered as part of VITS is a signatureless security service that uses machine learning and behavioural analysis to defend systems against zero-day attacks and evolving threats. Three service modules in VITS focus on cyber security, Mr Whitby said. 

Wallem said critical systems are safeguarded by an enhanced back-up service, which is activated in the event of a cyber attack or hardware failure. The safeguarding includes a network-based back-up vault with integrated virus protection, remote monitoring and restoration support, according to the company. VITS also offers a security benchmark service, reporting on security gaps, compliance shortfalls and best practice.