Naval Dome Demonstrates Cyber Security Tests
Naval Dome has successfully completed pilot testing of its multi-layered cyber security system for Lloyd’s Register, aboard XT Shipping’s Zim Genova. The 4300TEU containership was operational during the tests, which were supervised by the classification society and bridge systems provider Totem Plus.
The pilot tests, carried out as part of the classification society’s initiative to develop cyber security guidelines, and the first of their kind on a vessel in transit, evaluated the Naval Dome system’s ability to defend ships against a variety of cyber-attacks.
Although the Naval Dome system can be installed on multiple ship systems, the tests were confined to a back-up ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) to mitigate against the risk of any system or operational failure. The Naval Dome cyber security system also underwent extensive terrestrial testing with the Totem Plus ECDIS prior to shipboard installation.
The tests demonstrated Naval Dome’s ability to thwart rogue and unintended system breaches. This included the detection and alerting of any unapproved media, such as USB sticks, spurious system updates, system anomalies and access by unauthorised personnel. During simulated system breaches, at sea and in port, anomalies were quickly detected, with the system alerting the user and shoreside staff: “Cyber Attack! Zim Genova. Call your Captain – one of your GPS sensors is compromised”, or “anomaly detected in ECDIS map location”.
System reliability was also verified. During the test period, no system faults were detected, there were no system reboots, no noticeable system latency and zero disruption to vessel operations. A navigating officer onboard the vessel commented that the Naval Dome system made for a “user-friendly ECDIS experience” as there was no operational difference once the cyber security system had been installed.
“We are delighted the tests have demonstrated the performance of the Naval Dome system for Lloyd’s Register,” said Itai Sela, CEO at Naval Dome. “The pilot project has shown the effectiveness of our system in defending against cyber-attacks, while verifying crew operability and usability. The ship’s crew found the technology worked very smoothly, without impacting their day-to-day operations”.
Using intelligence agency security technology, Naval Dome’s cyber security solution is designed to prevent internal and external cyber-attacks with minimal human intervention. It integrates with existing systems and software, providing real-time cyber alerts and blocks malicious files to prevent unauthorised access to critical systems and data.
A second phase of testing will be carried out in the coming months, where more extensive penetration tests will also be carried out.