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The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, leading to increased reliance on IT systems. However, this transformation also brings new challenges, including cybersecurity threats and the need for more efficient and scalable IT infrastructure.
To address these challenges, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued guidelines in 2021 emphasizing a robust cybersecurity framework for all vessels. This framework focuses on a proactive approach to cyber safety, encompassing protection, detection, response, and recovery. The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) introduced Unified Requirements (URs) for new ship constructions to further enhance cyber resilience. These URs, such as UR E26 and UR E27, aim to improve the security of onboard systems and ensure compliance with evolving cybersecurity standards.
One of the most effective ways to address the challenges of this digital transformation is through server virtualization. So we created Uni. Uni is a next-generation vessel virtualization server designed specifically for the demanding requirements of maritime IT environments.
Certified and approved by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), a world-renowned leader in marine classification and technical advisory services, Uni guarantees the highest standards of cybersecurity and operational resilience. It’s innovative architecture makes IT systems more efficient, cost-effective, and easier to manage, empowering IT Managers to focus on strategic initiatives and ensure smooth vessel operations.
By implementing Marpoint's UNI and IT Managed Services across our fleet, critical applications like Planned Maintenance Systems, email, and file servers are now hosted in a virtual environment, ensuring continuous availability even in case of hardware failure. Additionally, we benefit from real-time monitoring of critical devices, network traffic, and data across both IT and OT systems. Marpoint also handles software patching, keeping our vessels compliant with the latest IMO Cyber Risk Management regulations.
By consolidating multiple physical servers onto a single host, virtualization offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, scalability, and security. Here are three key Maritime IT Cybersecurity Headaches that Uni can cure:
Vulnerable Server Infrastructure:
- Uni “reconstructs” vessel IT infrastructure by virtualizing all core devices (servers and computers). This creates an isolated and secure environment where onboard personnel interact with virtual machines through thin clients, minimizing direct access to the server and reducing the risk of human error or malicious activity.
- Uni employs a Triple Active-Active Cluster architecture, providing high availability and redundancy. In case of a node failure, operations continue uninterrupted, minimizing downtime and potential data loss.
Limited Threat Detection and Response Capabilities:
- Uni incorporates robust threat intelligence and asset management features.
- Real-time monitoring: Uni collects and analyzes logs and metrics from all devices within the ecosystem, enabling proactive identification of anomalies and potential threats.
- Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing device health, Uni can predict and prevent potential issues like hardware failures.
- User Activity Tracking: Uni tracks user activities, including USB device usage, to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
- Uni integrates with MarPoint’s SDC service, which provides a centralized dashboard for visualizing and analyzing collected data. This allows for proactive threat detection, customized alerts, and improved incident response.
- Uni incorporates robust threat intelligence and asset management features.
Inadequate Security Controls and Best Practices:
- Uni implements a multi-layered security approach:
- Advanced Web Filtering: Uni’s integrated web filtering service blocks phishing attempts and malicious requests, significantly reducing cyber threats.
- Data Protection & Encryption: Uni provides robust data protection mechanisms, including:
- Encrypted Virtual Disks: Ensuring data privacy and integrity for each user account.
- Regular Snapshots & Backups: Enabling rapid recovery from system failures or cyberattacks.
- Data Lifecycle Management: Ensuring proper data handling and retention policies.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Uni implements “least privilege” access controls, restricting user permissions based on their roles and responsibilities.
- Automated Software Patching: Uni’s automated patching mechanism ensures timely updates are applied across the entire virtual environment, minimizing vulnerabilities and enhancing security.
- Uni emphasizes security best practices throughout the entire system:
- Thin Client Deployment: Minimizes direct access to the server and enhances security.
- Network Segmentation: Isolates critical services and controls network access.
- Third-Party Access Controls: Restricts unauthorized access to the vessel’s IT infrastructure.
- Uni implements a multi-layered security approach:
As we move towards the era of 'smart ships,' the role of the modern IT Manager in a shipping company becomes a daily multi-tasking challenge. We need to ensure seamless ship-to-shore communication, proper operation of all onboard IT systems, 24/7 remote monitoring, and compliance with regulations.
Real-World Success Stories
MarPoint’s solutions have been instrumental in enhancing cybersecurity and operational efficiency for numerous maritime companies. Our latest case studies showcase the industry-wide impact of our technology, including a recent award-winning project
- Newport Shipping: Highlighting MarPoint’s commitment to excellence, our implementation of the Governor Multi-Layer Cybersecurity Suite, including Uni, for Newport Shipping secured a prestigious Gold Award in the Cybersecurity Awards 2023 for Cybersecurity Projects Per Industry Sector. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of our solutions in fortifying a vessel’s cybersecurity posture and streamlining operations.
- Cosmoship Management S.A.: Partnered with MarPoint to modernize its IT infrastructure, deploying the Evo2 Router and Uni solution across its fleet. Irene Timoleon, from Cosmoship’s Operations Department, highlighted, “MarPoint provides us with effective and customized vessel network management.”
- Navarone S.A.: Leveraged MarPoint’s proactive IT Managed Services to implement the Uni Virtual Machine Manager, ensuring streamlined operations and improved data security.
- Transman Shipping: Adopted Uni Virtualization for centralized management, enabling enhanced cybersecurity measures across its vessels.
Conclusion: Peace of Mind for Maritime IT Managers
In today’s interconnected world, the peace of mind of a Maritime IT Manager hinges on the ability to manage and safeguard their vessel networks effectively. The challenges posed by cybersecurity threats, evolving regulations, and the increasing demands of modern operations require a robust and adaptable IT infrastructure.
Uni, with its Triple Active-Active Cluster architecture and comprehensive suite of security features, provides the foundation for a secure, reliable, and efficient maritime IT environment. By addressing the critical Cybersecurity Headaches outlined above, Uni empowers IT Managers to:
- Enhance operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Proactively mitigate cyber threats and ensure data security.
- Meet evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Gain greater control and visibility into their IT infrastructure.
With Uni, IT Managers can confidently navigate the complexities of the digital age, ensuring the safety and security of their vessels and the success of their operations.
