Marlink CyberGuard Threat Detection service receives Innovation Endorsement Certificate from ClassNK

Leading Japanese class society recognises ability to proactively detect threats and help shipowners protect against attacks on IT and OT networks

Marlink, the smart network company, has received the Innovation Endorsement certificate from Japanese class society ClassNK for its CyberGuard Threat Detection service.

The ClassNK Products & Solutions Innovation Endorsement is designed to certify that products and solutions using advanced digital technologies perform as stated by the supplier. Marlink demonstrated the operation of the service during a functional confirmation test in Tokyo.

The programme aims to accelerate the adoption of superior innovative products and solutions among the shipping industry. The certificate reflects ClassNK’s expertise in understanding the suitability of digital solutions for Japanese and international shipowners. It applies to the threat detection engine, customer portal, threat alert notifications and integrated XChange platform countermeasures.

Marlink’s CyberGuard service inspects network traffic received from and sent by a vessel and correlates these event logs with multiple threat intelligence databases. On average, the system detects 30 cyber security threats per month on every vessel, affecting both IT and OT networks which means one threat per day per vessel.

Through the intuitive CyberGuard Portal, customers can view any detected cyber security threats and respond immediately by applying countermeasures to the onboard XChange platform. In addition, Marlink’s Security Operations Centre performs threat confirmation and remediation support.

Shipping companies are required to demonstrate a baseline of cyber preparation but interest is growing among Asian operators for a system that can provide greater cyber awareness and transparency to managers and crew. In March 2022, the service reported a 60% increase in threats to connected OT applications and a 45% increase in threats affecting the administrative network for internet browsing, compared to one year ago.

“Awareness of the risks from cyber attacks is growing in the maritime industry and many vessel operators are not aware of vulnerabilities and threats that are already affecting their operations every day,” said Nicolas Furgé, President, Digital, Marlink. “ClassNK has recognised that CyberGuard can play a key role in helping its shipowners detect and understand threats and take appropriate remediation action.”

“ClassNK is focussed on ensuring that the digital tools available to shippingcompaniesperform as expected and provide the level of functionality that the market requires,” said a ClassNK spokesperson. “I hope that our third-party verification built on our rigorous testing procedures will help the industry’s decision-making to adopt the innovative software with confidence.”

About ClassNK
Founded in 1899, ClassNK is a ship classification society dedicated to safer and cleaner seas. ClassNK provides diverse technical services including surveys and classifications of ships and marine structures based on its own rules, statutory certifications on behalf of more than 110 flag states, management system certifications in line with ISO and other international standards.

For more information, visitwww.classnk.com

About Marlink
Marlink is the trusted partner in fully managed smart network solutions, based on an intelligent hybrid network and unrivalled digital solutions.

The company provides Smart Network Solutions, connecting people and assets around the globe and across all markets where conventional connectivity cannot reach or is not available. Marlink’s Intelligent Hybrid Network combines global satcom and terrestrial technologies via a proprietary global infrastructure.

The Marlink Smart Edge, an integrated service delivery platform, orchestrates and optimises all network elements and applications, from data handling and IT to application-based routing (SD Wan), cloud and Digital Solutions, including remote data and IT, cyber security as well as IoT/OT solutions.

This provides customers with full ‘Peace of Mind’ that their chosen network solution is fully optimised, integrated and has the security required to operate more profitably and sustainably, increasing their efficiency and safety through operational optimisation, tracking and routing, monitoring and reporting.

Marlink’s Smart Network Solutions are provided as Managed Services meeting the highest quality standards and service level agreements. The company proactively monitors and supports network solutions, providing alerts, reporting and insights on performance and usage of connectivity, systems, and applications as well as advice and consultancy on how to further optimise customer networks.

Please visitwww.marlink.comfor more information.