5 Important Measures Aiming at Enhancing Your Maritime Cyber Security

The instances of cyber security threats and data compromising have increased over the period of time and the underlying reason is lack of cyber security measures practiced by the shipping companies. It happens either because shipping companies are ignorant or they feel it won’t happen to them.

It is high time shipping companies take maritime cyber security as a serious matter and start practicing the required measures. Here’s a look at the guidelines that needs to be followed for an effective cyber risk management:

1. Identifying

The first step towards implementing an effective program is to identify the assets, systems, and data so that you can get an idea of the level of risk if the data gets compromised. You also need to define the roles that are responsible for the management of cyber risk.

2. Protecting

Along with planning the cyber security measures for maritime broadband, you also need to plan what actions to take in case of any cyber incident so that you can ensure the continuity of the various shipping operations.

3. Detecting

You should also develop strategies and processes that efficiently help in detecting any cyber threat in timely manner so that immediate action can be taken.

4. Responding

The shipping company needs to implement activities and develop a plan that is resilient and helps in restoring the systems that are important for shipping services but were halted because of a cyber attack.

5. Recovering

The shipping companies must be aware of the ways to back-up as well as restore the cyber systems which may get affected by the cyber attack but are essential for shipping operations.

The maritime cyber security measures and solutions can only be implemented once the shipping companies make the maritime cyber risk assessment which means measuring the extent up to which the cyber system can get threatened by a potential cyber attack. Any vulnerability in the configuration of any critical system must be acknowledged for better protection.

Explore the web for more information on how to apply the security measures when using maritime broadband services in your fleet of ships.

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Satellite Internet Services on Your Sea Vessels

It is one thing to make a ship-to-shore call during an emergency and another to access uninterrupted internet services on ship. Satellite internet services have made this possible as the satellite internet industry is maturing with several options that suit the needs of light, medium, and heavy data users.

For users who are looking for cost-effective internet options, some broadband satellite services provide flexible data packages and more affordable hardware to meet their diverse requirements. However, the trade-off comes with slower download and upload speeds. At the upper end of the spectrum, there are several manufacturers that offer amazing long-range products and service packages that might be expensive for some.

Challenges

For most shipping companies, the challenge in getting maritime VSAT services for a boat is the cost along with the fact that a ship is always on the move at sea which makes offshore internet connectivity challenging unlike internet services on land. You need a satellite which can maintain a stable connection while the ship sails in the water. Distance is also a factor as larger and more expensive satellite dishes are required when ship moves away from the poles. If you are looking for a strong signal anywhere at sea, be prepared to pay a higher price for the services.

Basics of Internet access on ship

Satellite internet offer services which can be used for voice calling, messaging, HD television reception, and web browsing. Equipment provided by the internet service provider for moving sea vessels can offer uninterrupted internet service anywhere in the ocean.

Manufacturers offer dishes which are similar to antennas along with their monthly data plans. If your vessel rarely goes out to sea, you can go for an enhanced antenna and signal booster system which will make Wi-Fi networks available on your ship. However, for more expansive and reliable internet connections, maritime VSAT is the only effective solution.

Explore the web for more information and suggestions on choosing the best broadband satellite services for your sea vessels. Once finalised, you can get in touch with the customer service team of your preferred service provider to enquire about their plans and pricings.

How Internet Service is Made Available on Cruise Ships

Though you might be on a cruise ship to relax and get away from the stresses of daily life, it may still not be possible for you to stay completely away from the internet. Whether it is your work e-mails, social media, or other means of entertainment, the internet keeps you engaged but also addicted to it. It also keeps you updated with current affairs and the latest happenings from around the world.

A few years ago, no one would have imagined the availability of internet on board, but maritime VSAT has made it very much possible by providing remote internet connectivity on ships. The availability of internet on ships has proved beneficial even for crew members. Their quality of life has improved due to increased means of communication.

Here’s a look at some of the ways internet services are made available on the cruise ships:

1. Satellite connections

The more reputed cruise ship owners prefer having satellite connections that can make maritime satellite communications easier and faster for passengers and crew members on the ship. It is an easy way to provide internet by adding hardware installations on the ship and connecting them to satellites. The hardware installations are a must to catch the signals and convert them to offer uninterrupted internet on ships. The cost of the hardware components for maritime satellite communications depends on the ship’s size, intended internet use, cost components, and the desired uploading / downloading speed.

2. Wireless devices

Providing internet on the ships is not as easy as it is on the land because the ship is surrounded by water on all sides and there are no towers or cables. Some people prefer to make use of their wireless devices to gain internet access on-board but it too may not to work well. The reason behind poor connectivity while using wireless devices is they can access the internet only when they are close to sea ports. They will not be able to enjoy high internet speed and faster browsing as internet service providers are unable to extend their services beyond a certain distance from land.

3. Dial Ups

Yet another way of offering the internet connectivity on cruise ships is through dial-up connections. However, dial-ups are not considered a reliable option as it depends on the signal reception of the phone used. Here, the phone acts as a modem to access the internet from satellite directly. However, the loss of signal hinders its efficiency and may keep the crew uninformed about unforeseen challenges and disastrous weather conditions.

Explore the web for more information on features and benefits of the maritime VSAT and how it ensures hassle-free browsing while on ships.

Six Steps to Follow to Maximise Maritime Cyber Security

As satellite internet services has become more and more prevalent, the shipping industry has made a concerted effort to embrace it and bring it aboard their vessels. Internet has already become an inseparable part of our daily lives.

Whether it is being in touch with family and friends, having an access to a means of entertainment, or looking up information online, everything relies on the use of a fast and reliable internet connection nowadays. Thus, for the welfare of crew members, the well being of guests, and growth of the maritime business, shipping companies are increasingly bringing satellite internet services to their fleets.

However, with the uptick in cyber security attacks, the shipping industry needs to also take maritime cyber security seriously and implement precautionary and preventive measures. Training and awareness of company policies help to provide one of the most cost-efficient and effective solutions.

Here’s a look at some of the guidelines to be followed by the shipping companies using fleet broadband services:

1.  Network security

It is essential that the networks used by ships do not expose their systems to cyber-attack. The shipboard computer networks lack the boundary protection measures and are amongst the networks with the most common cyber vulnerabilities. Appropriate policy implementation and technical response can help in preventing harm to your organization from these attacks.

2. Malware prevention

Malware is malicious programming that has been designed for accessing, controlling and damaging the system. Organizations need to implement the appropriate anti-malware policy to defend their networks on-board and offshore.

3. Secure configuration

Configuration management helps in improving the security of systems and eliminates the risk of information being compromised. Organizations should come up with strategies for removing unnecessary functions from the system and fix any vulnerabilities.

4. Managing user privilege

All the network users should be given only the minimum level of system privileges and rights to do their jobs. Granting elevated system privileges should be controlled and managed.

5. Spreading awareness

The staff members both onshore and offshore play a critical role in managing maritime cyber security. The organization needs to conduct awareness programs and training to help establish a security-conscious culture.

6. Adherence to cyber security policies

Shipping companies need to monitor whether the cyber security policies are being implemented by the crew both onshore and offshore. The cyber risk can’t be avoided just by training the crew about the preventive measures, you need to ensure the measures and policies are being followed.

Explore the web for more information on tips to implement cyber security measures for fleet broadband services. You can also browse various antivirus and antimalware products websites to lookout for tips that can help in preventing cyberattacks. Additionally, connect with your IT team to create robust and strict IT management policies that can help you to keep secure from malware programs and computer viruses.

Five Major Reasons Why A Cargo Ship Needs Internet Connectivity

There are thousands upon thousands of ships navigating the globe today, transporting cargo from one location to another. Life on a ship is not that easy for the sailors as they have to live in isolation for several days at a stretch. Shipping companies need to provide all the essentials to their sailors to help them ease the difficult life at sea and now, in the 21st century, one of the most important quality of life changes is access to a fast and reliable internet connection.

Fortunately, internet access has been made readily available to any ship with the help of maritime satellite internet technologies. The importance of mobile internet technology to ships cannot be understated. The following is 5 top reasons why this has revolutionized the industry:

1. Keeping in touch with families

The retention rate in the shipping industry can be very low as it is difficult for sailors to keep away from family and friends for a long time without some sort of communication. Having access to the internet aboard a ship gives the sailors the chance to stay in touch with their loved ones over the phone and video calls.

2. Monitoring fuel usage

Industry experts have stated that maritime broadband can help in constantly monitoring the state of the ship and thus, in getting to the root of the fuel consumption issues. The engineers can determine how much fuel the ship should be burning and will be able to notice is the ship is going ahead of the expected usage and take immediate action. This will not only allow them to determine if there are any ongoing mechanical issues but if there are any navigational errors as well.

3. Enabling Telemedicine

Most ship travel with no doctors aboard, in case of any serious medical condition, the seafarers can connect with a doctor with help of maritime broadband and provide a more advanced diagnosis and treatment instead of waiting for the ship to reach the port.

4. Navigate efficiently

One of the most important reasons why a ship needs internet access is to have up-to-date weather information along with precise routing. Though ships have managed their navigational routes without internet for decades, this new access offers detailed information along the route immediately, allowing forewarning of difficulties ahead and perhaps even diverting the ship out of harm’s way early. It also allows the ship’s current whereabouts and conditions to me transmitted constantly so everyone can stay abreast of all matters.

5. Monitoring pirate threats

With an internet connection, the ships can make use of surveillance cameras and transmit footage of their surroundings and activities to the land. It helps naval agencies to monitor pirate threats. They can also track the activities and movements on shore and inform the management about it to prevent any kind of loss to ships, workforce and loaded assignments.

Explore web for more information on maritime satellite internet services and how to choose the best internet service provider for meeting your mobile connectivity requirements. Also, you can browse the web for different plans and connect with your service provider to get similar plans on discounted rates.

Difficulties of Some Companies Pursuing Maritime Internet Services

Maritime internet services have become a must for the commercial and cruise ships. It not only improves the quality of life of crew members on commercial ships, guests on cruise ships can also stay connected with the outer world while holidaying.

This has led to many shipping companies subscribing to various maritime internet services to meet the demands of their crew or guests. However, there are still many shipping companies who are not up to date with these latest trends.

In spite of revolutionary internet service providers like Fleet Xpress who have emerged as game changers in the maritime internet services, a few shipping companies still hold out and refrain from taking advantage of their services.

Here’s a look at the five reasons for their decision:

1. Cost to the company

The maritime internet services have evolved up to a great extent, still they are not as affordable as one would hope. Apart from the one-time installation charges, the shipping companies have to pay monthly subscription fees for the type of data plan they choose whether a commercial or cruise ship. However, the companies like Fleet Xpress have taken the maritime communication to next level and are definitely worth subscribing to for the suite of options they open up to any maritime vessel.

2. Distraction

Many companies believe that having an access to the 360 degree maritime communication services offered by fleet broadband will distract their staff and reduce productivity at work. As a result, they may decide that the trade-off of not having a strong internet connection at their disposal is worthwhile.

3. Alternatives

Companies may also believe that internet services are not important to the crew members or the guests on cruise as they have access to voice calls which may be enough to remain connected with the outside world.

4. Cyber threats

Increasing instances of cyber crimes and theft of confidential information keep the shipping companies away from maritime internet services. Therefore, they may feel that having a working internet connection on board may act against them and end up compromising their business plans, strategies, and future projects to their competition.

5. Social Media

The social media invades privacy and makes you vulnerable to millions of cyber threats. The shipping companies might be scared of any issues such as employee grievances getting escalated on the social media platform which might tarnish their reputation. It has become a common medium of expression which might keep the shipping companies away from maritime internet services.

Explore web for more information on fleet broadband and how to subscribe its services for the sea-vessels.

Some Common Cyber Security Challenges Faced by Maritime Sector

The shipping industry operates on the information systems to run many essential processes effectively. These include nautical security, navigation, steering, energy production, communication, and propulsion to name a few. Just like any other information system, these processes, whether embedded or not, are vulnerable to cyberattack, and the loss of valuable, confidential information can have serious consequences for the shipping company,

Increased threat of cyberattack with introduction of digitization 

Digital technology continues to spread its way through the naval sector, becoming indispensable in such places as the management systems for sea vessels, cargo, and port infrastructures. The digital revolution has helped to increase profitability, productivity, and competitiveness within industries. However, with the interconnectedness of ships and shore comes the risk of cyberattack in the maritime sector.

It is not just the ships that are vulnerable to cyberattacks but any related infrastructure will be exposed as well by association. A vulnerable ship is not only exposing itself but also its network to any shore-based operations, thus introducing one big point of weakness in an otherwise secure network. Physical interaction with the ship could potentially allow even something as small as a USB drive to compromise an entire operation.

Measures implemented by shipping industry to combat the cyberattacks

- Considering the vulnerability of ships to cyberattack, most shipping companies have incorporated maritime cyber security measures into the designing phase of the ship to prevent or detect probable cyberattacks.

- Most companies have cyber security workshops or seminars, not just amongst experts but amongst shipboard workers to increase awareness about the cyber threat and how to prevent it.

- They have also started analysing the types of risks associated with the introduction of mobile satellite services as well as implementing the required measures for improving cyber security.

- Security measures and software protecting the maritime cyber security threat at port infrastructure is constantly being evaluated and upgraded.

Though the shipping industry benefits from mobile satellite services and satellite internet services, the introduction of these new technologies has increased the threat of cyberattacks. It is essential for the shipping companies to implement the appropriate cyber security measures to combat the situation.

Explore web for more information on how to implement cyber security measures for the maritime sector and experience high-end security and end-to-end monitoring of sea vessels.