NAVTOR NavBox tackles industry’s ‘number one threat’ with cyber security certification from DNV GL
Member news | 8 April 2019
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Set
against the background of increasing cyber threats to the maritime industry,
e-Navigation specialist NAVTOR has moved to demonstrate the integrity of its
innovative NavBox solution with ‘cyber secure’ certification (IEC 61162-460
Gateway) from DNV GL. NavBox,
which automates the distribution and updates of digital charts, publications
and other navigational data, now guarantees both complete regulatory compliance
and security for an increasingly digitized generation of shipowners and
operators.
Top priority
NAVTOR’s announcement comes the day
before the Norwegian Shipowners Association Annual Conference in Oslo, where it
will reveal, as part of its Outlook Report 2019, that cyber crime is its
members’ number one security concern.
A viewpoint shared by Tor Svanes, CEO of
NAVTOR:
“If we look at the past two years we can
identify a worrying increase of cyber criminal activity, with high profile
attacks targeting, amongst others, key shipping businesses including Maersk and
COSCO, as well as ports such as San Diego and Barcelona,“ Svanes warns, adding:
“And this is really just the tip of the iceberg.”
He continues: “As shipping becomes
increasingly digitised great benefits are unlocked in terms of efficiencies,
intelligence and decision making, but a new risk environment also emerges. That
is of particular concern to those of us dedicated to developing innovative
e-Navigation solutions, which rely on the collation, analysis and sharing of
data. With this in mind we have been quick to devise the industry’s most
robust, reliable and cyber secure solution with NavBox.”
Efficiency and strength
NavBox offers a range of security
features including an encrypted connection – transferring data in a format only
recognised by NAVTOR software – CRC checks, the non-transferral of executable
files (a key source of malware) and communication through secure servers. The
unit also operates as a ‘blackbox’, with no screen, keyboard or mouse,
diminishing risk from human interaction.
NAVTOR designed NavBox to slash
administration duties for navigators, allowing for greater efficiency and
resource use, while ensuring that the very latest charts and publications are
always available on-board, leading to total regulatory compliance. In addition
to the vessel-based benefits, NavBox also provides shore-based teams with a
full insight into chart usage, equating to more effective cost control and
fleet management. The solution is available as PC software or as a separate
hardware box that connects to a vessel ECDIS.
Empowering smart shipping
“e-Navigation is the cornerstone of
smart shipping,” Svanes states, “enabling optimal routing, fuel use,
efficiency, operational intelligence and communication between assets at sea
and offices on shore. NavBox is a key component of our market leading e-Navigation
proposition, so ensuring its resilience against any form of rogue cyber
activity was a clear priority for us.
“With the progress towards increased
automation and, in some case, complete vessel autonomy the importance of
e-Navigation will flourish – unfortunately so will the frequency of cyber
attacks. With this notification from DNV GL our customers can be sure they are
prepared for whatever digital threats lie on the horizon, allowing them to
focus on charting the optimal route forward into the future.”
NAVTOR has established itself is a world
leader in e-Navigation since launching in 2011.
In 2012 the firm released the first type
approved Pay As You Sail ENC service, following in 2014 with the launch of
NavStation, the world’s first digital chart table. The company has since built a worldwide customer base and network of
offices, spanning Norway, Singapore, Japan, Sweden, Russia, the US,
and the UK.
About NAVTOR
NAVTOR
is a leading force in the provision of innovative e-Navigation solutions, and a
total supplier of navigational products and services for the maritime sector.
Every day we strive to make life easier for navigators, and safer, clearer and
more efficient for shipowners, ship managers and operators.
Established
in 2011, the firm has grown quickly and established a network of subsidiaries
and distributors worldwide. The headquarter of NAVTOR is in Egersund, Norway,
and the subsidiaries are located in Singapore (NAVTOR Singapore Ltd. Ptd.),
Japan (NAVTOR Japan K.K.) Sweden (NAVTOR NAUTIC AB) The United Kingdom (NAVTOR
UK Ltd.), The United States of America (NAVTOR USA Inc.) and Russia (NAVTOR
Russia LLC).
