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.

Why is it Imperative to Have an Internet Connection On-board?

Internet services have become an essential part of our daily routine. Indeed, it is very difficult to imagine even a single day now without its presence affecting our lives. It not only helps to keep us connected with our loved ones and family but also helps in staying updated with the numerous events happening around us and across the globe. Reliant, accessible internet services have also paved our path to social media addiction.

Whether people are on a cruise for personal or professional reasons, it is difficult for them to stay in touch with the outside world. On a leisure trip, people have to wait to reach the port for contacting their loved ones. It is even more difficult for the crew members, who spend most of their time on the ship, to deal with the emotional, mental and work pressure. This can result in them feeling socially isolated. The shipping industry is one of the fields that particularly suffers from this phenomenon of worker social isolation due to lack of connectivity and communication means.

Fortunately, with the advent of maritime satellite internet, it is ever easier and cheaper to get access to the internet aboard seafaring vessels. This is especially important for shipping companies who were not willing to initially get maritime broadband services on the ship to benefit both the passengers and crew members. Have a look at some of the significant benefits of having an internet connection on marine vessels:

1. Maritime broadband services allows people to stay in touch with their friends and family. It is easy and less expensive way of communication while you are on-board.

2. Internet connectivity is useful for students as they can continue to engage in self-study and skill diversification. Internet also allows the students to use e-learning tools on-board.

3. Internet connectivity on ship allows the seafarers to initiate online banking transactions. In case of urgent payments, they do not need to wait for reaching the port.

4. It can help the crew to stay informed about emergencies, storms, and other unfavourable conditions, which may impact them badly.

5. Maritime broadband internet services are a great measure by shipping companies to retain their existing employees as it opens new horizon for communication and entertainment. If the crew members are happy and their morale is high, they work efficiently.

6. Broadband services help you in keeping a track of world events on a global level.

7. It also helps the crew in important aspects like weather forecast and guidance on directions.

The day is not far when every sea vessel will have access to internet services and it would become a norm for sea vessels to have maritime satellite internet on-board. Explore web for more information on maritime internet providers and they can help your crew to stay productive all the time.

Top Three Ways to Access Internet While Aboard Your Vessel

A holiday on a cruise is the time when you wish to spend some leisure time with your loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You want to forget all your personal and professional worries and leave your phone behind. But that can be an unrealistic goal for some, as it can be impossible to sever ties with personal and professional contacts, even for a short span of time.

There is work that needs to be done and deadlines that must be met in your absence. The pile up of unfinished work will be waiting to welcome you upon arrival. Hence, it may not always be possible to spend days on a ship without having access to an internet connection. However, providing broadband services on a ship is not as easy as on land. Fortunately, though there are no cables or towers to support maritime internet, it has been made possible with the advent of modern technology.

The various ways of accessing maritime internet on a cruise are as follows:

1. Dial-ups

The simple dial-up connection of cell phones is one of the most common ways of providing an internet connection on a cruise. But dial up is not the most reliable option nor the fastest as it depends on the reception of signal of the cell phone being used. The phone works as modem but a lack of signal will hamper its efficiency and connectivity.

2. Wireless devices

Some people take their wireless devices to access internet while on cruise but, that too, does not seem to work very well. Wireless devices can easily access the internet when they are near to ports as the network is available easily, whoever even the data cards aren’t that effective once the ship departs.

3. Satellite connections

The most efficient way of providing internet on ships is through fleet broadband satellite services. Installing a hardware for direct connection with satellite offers easy internet access to all, passengers as well as the crew, on-board. The hardware taps the internet signals from anywhere and everywhere, thus, delivers stronger signals and uninterrupted internet browsing sessions. The charges for hardware installation varies based on the ship size, internet usage, desired speed, and budget.

Having an internet connection on a ship is a necessity and the shipping companies should take resort to satellite-supported broadband services for hassle-free surfing. Explore the web for more information on internet providers for sea vessels and contact a reliable vendor for a demo.

What are the Benefits of an Internet Connection on the Ship?

Where once people might have taken the ability to stay in contact as a luxury, it is now taken for granted. Mobile phones have grown smaller and mobile networks faster. Everyone carries a smartphone now, with the ability to glance at the latest news and contact their love ones at the touch of a button. This is nowhere more lacking than on cruise ships. While planes might take away your connection for a few hours, a cruise might take you away from “civilization” and your loved ones for days, even weeks. The need for a quick, serviceable internet is especially felt by those on a cruise.

However, thanks to the revolutionary services granted by modern mobile satellite systems, it is now easier than ever to access the internet even while a board a ship. Now you can access the internet to browse various sites, upload, and download data across the globe at reasonable speeds; even at remote locations.

This much-needed excellent service is provided by Fleet Broadband. It provides cost-efficient voice and data on board with help of a compact antenna which ensures 99.9% network connectivity. Backed by the reliability of L-band service, it ensures high-speed data irrespective of the part of the globe you are travelling.

The maritime sector has thousands of sea vessels which put their trust on Fleet Broadband for their comprehensive internet requirements. It helps in boosting the morale of the crew by enabling them to stay in touch with family, access social media, and even stream entertainment online. They also offer safety services to the vessels allowing them to contact the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre with a distress button in case of emergencies.

The key benefits of internet services on ship are:

• Standard IP data for applications, emails, internet access

• Committed rates for live applications and video conferencing

• Pre-paid/ post-paid calling options for crew

• Enhanced voice services like caller barring, call forwarding and caller identification

• Make and receive calls and SMS texts through GSM

• Send/ receive SMS from another terminal on fleet board through smartphone/tablet/PC

• Free emergency calling to MRCC for distress call

Benefits of Maritime Internet on a ship:

• It will help in monitoring the fuel usage by tracking the underlying issue and addressing it with the help of technical support.

• It will help in addressing a complex medical issue on-board without having to wait for the port.

• Internet will help in protecting against pirates or other dangers with help of surveillance cameras.

• Internet services will also help in weather forecast and locate direction in case of confusion.

If you are in a shipping business, then it is important for you to stay updated with the new developments in the marine world. Find more on the web about the marine internet services, its benefits and how shipping companies can get them installed for better business growth.

Browse the Web Freely While on Cruise with Maritime Internet

Cruises are an exciting and unforgettable experience. Between the plethora of food, the wide selection of fun activities and the enjoyable shows to take part in, it is certainly a vacation unlike any other.

Cruises come equipped with so many amenities, it is almost impossible to imagine. Besides being able to gamble at the on board casino on international waters, there is also a fully equipped gymnasium, a swimming pool to enjoy, and usually, even a spa.

Whether you decide to spend your time lounging by the poolside, working out or being pampered at the spa, you will come out of any cruise refreshed and ready to take on the world. This is not even including the sights you are cruising to see!

Maritime VSAT – Connecting you to the world

Of course, cruises are not without some small downsides. Getting access to the internet to check on your favourite sports team or to ensure you do not miss any critical emails can be a problem sometimes on the high seas.

In order to meet these demands, ships have started to incorporate internet services into their specially designed packages. Services related to maritime vsat will help you get connected to the rest of the world even while you are out at sea allowing you to remain connected to the rest of the world and giving you peace of mind.

You can easily access this specially designed service for a small fee. Due to the fast speeds that modern technology allows us to benefit from, it has become easier than ever for you to browse the internet. Further more, the strength of maritime internet routers means that you may access the Internet from anywhere on the ship.

Maritime Internet Service – Letting Easy Access to WWW

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you might even consider subscribing to you own Internet broadband program. The monthly rate that you will be paying will not fluctuate while on ship. The internet service you get from the VSAT is unparalleled in terms of speed and reliability. It is truly possible to never be disconnected from the internet and browse at the speed you desire!

Of course, there are plenty of internet connectivity options that you can look at to stay connected and selecting the best out of the same could be quite the challenge. A few of the things that you should pay attention to are budget, connectivity band, and the expected reach of internet access before finalizing any device or data plan. You can also browse the web to know more about internet connectivity and gadgets that can fit your requirements.

Everything You Need to Know to Ensure Complete Cyber Security on Ships

Cyber security threats are complex to figure out and growing at a rapid pace. It can lead to unpredictable outcomes, which makes cyber security a major concern. It is critical to address the issues as it includes compromising the security of various offshore and shipping operations. Securing vulnerable networks and ensuring that network systems are not compromised is becoming more difficult with as hackers get smarter and more technologically advanced. There have been multiple scenarios of cyber attacks and other vulnerabilities experienced in the recent past, and an important part of the cyber security solution depends on developing a sound, systematic procedure to help in combating the risks.

There are many companies that make use of step by step processes to evaluate cyber security related to the vessels with relevant purposes in land management. Some of the best tactics used in the field to reduce risks in energy, maritime and oil and gas applications involve recognizing the potential threats and quickly developing strategies to protect against them. The tactics should be in relation to both behavioral and technical aspects.

How to Create a Security Procedure to Ensure Maritime Cyber Security?

In the industry of ship owning, maritime cyber security is an important and difficult issues to grapple with. It affects many different fields and poses high risks to the safety as well as data security. There are different kinds of approaches which help in addressing the issues; some of them are explained as follows.

1. Assessment and enhancement of cyber security

There are various companies that can help in identifying the risks through various applications. Once the bridge between the procedures is recognized, various approaches can be taken in fighting against these risks.

2. Fleet broadband

Fleet broadband is a satellite working for the huge vessels and offering maritime communication solutions. Usually, there are three antennas working in tandem to provide communications and contribute to various functionalities. They help in enabling telecommunications between ships and the main land and offer a wide area of network.

3. Penetration testing

It is essential to test the strength of various firewalls and security systems in place to make sure they are safe and secure. These procedures will help in determining the strength of the systems in an effective and comprehensive way.

There are various companies offering these services, however it is really important to find the ones that are reliable and reputable in the industry. Maintaining a strong strategy and procedure to ensure optimal cyber security is essential to combat threats that may cause serious damage to your business, reputation or even crew members. Explore the web for more tips on finding a reliable service partner.

Importance of ICT Applications in Maritime Industries

Ever wondered how difficult communication technology must be for those who work in the endless sea? Well, with the advancements in technology, high-speed broadband telecommunication connecting shore to ship and vice-versa have now become increasingly possible. Typically isolated industries like shipping, offshoring, and oil and gas, which have huge demands for telecommunications can now get access to quick, reliable networks.

In order to meet these demands, various IT companies now provide satellite communications and ICT applications that help to overcome the challenges of the Maritime business industry. Below are only a few of the benefits of ICT applications for clients:

ICT Application and Cyber Security

Information Technology is so pre-dominant in today’s business that even the slightest misstep will leave your communications network compromised and vulnerable to any of the numerous malware threats waiting to pounce. Hence, many companies now not only provide innovative ICT applications in the Maritime sector, they must also protect industries from potential cyber threats. Along side a high speed maritime broadband connection, safe and secured ICT applications are providing security and surveillance at all levels. 

Operational Efficiency

With the flourishing industry in the Maritime space, clients are looking for ever more advanced ICT solutions that can help ease their operations. Hence, more IT service providers are providing highly personalised Maritime VSAT, which is a high speed broadband connection powered for satellite telecommunications services. It caters to the all the high speed demands of basic communications services like email, video conferencing, voice call, fax, maritime navigations, and provides other maritime ICT solutions to ensure continual business operations.

End-to-End Monitoring Solutions

It is very important to monitor a ship’s progress and keep its charts continually updated, hence technologically sound ICT applications are developed to monitor performance of the vessel at all levels. Besides monitoring the movement and performance of the ship, the information collected through ICT systems are accurately and constantly assessing the current situation to ensure optimal decision-making and deliver operational efficiency.

The latest advancements in technology and internet policies are re-defining the data protection and prevention processes. Securing their high speed networks and allowing constant communication and the monitoring of a multitude of distant ships, ICT companies allow the exploration of further and more isolated destinations than ever.