Why Cybersecurity is Crucial in Smart Shipping
In the rapidly evolving maritime sector, advancing technology is essential for achieving safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations. However, as digital applications and processes proliferate, so do cyber threats. Raymond Ho, General Manager of Wallem Group, highlights the importance of starting cybersecurity efforts at the corporate level. His approach underscores how crucial robust cybersecurity is for smooth fleet operations.
Cybersecurity Starts on Shore
Wallem Group's strategy involves advanced AI-based network protection across its shore-based offices. The group has partnered with cybersecurity service provider Darktrace to monitor its major offices. Initially piloted in 2019 at their Hong Kong headquarters, Darktrace's Cyber AI Analyst is now deployed in offices in Singapore, Shanghai, Clark, and Mumbai, as well as the Singapore datacentre. This AI-based solution helps in triaging, interpreting, and reporting on cybersecurity incidents, ensuring consistent end-to-end protection.
Proactive Measures Onboard
On the ship side, Wallem conducts onboard IT surveys before taking over any vessel. These surveys are essential for restructuring the IT network to align with group-wide cybersecurity requirements. The company also performs annual assessments to identify outdated IT equipment, proposing budgets for replacements and recommending value-added services to boost onboard cyber resilience.
Case Study: AI in Action
A prime example of Wallem's cybersecurity efficacy is when Darktrace’s Cyber AI Analyst detected malware beaconing—a scenario where malicious software attempts to contact its online infrastructure—within Wallem’s network. The AI solution traced this signal to malware on an employee’s computer, resolving the issue before it escalated into a full-scale network attack. “Before we used Darktrace’s solution, we could only protect against the risks we expected,” says Ho. The AI solution provided visibility into hidden malicious activities and the ability to correlate different activities into potential cyber threats.
Training and Best Practices
Darktrace’s Cyber Analyst team trained Wallem’s IT department in interpreting, classifying, and investigating potential threats reported by the Threat Visualizer tool. This training enabled Wallem to fine-tune its network and firewall policies better. Additionally, the group segregated its business, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and guest Wi-Fi networks and updated its IT policy to prohibit non-corporate devices from connecting to its business network.
Broader Implications for the Maritime Sector
While Wallem primarily uses Darktrace’s solutions for its shore-based operations, the insights gained have influenced its broader cybersecurity practices. “With our offices now robustly and intelligently protected, we have the peace of mind to focus on delivering services that facilitate safe, smart, and sustainable vessel operations, ultimately serving the Ship of the Future,” Ho concludes.
Conclusion
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Wallem Group's approach demonstrates how integrating advanced AI-based solutions can protect both shore-based and ship-based operations, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of modern maritime activities.
