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Maritime cybersecurity team assessing vessel and port network security

Maritime Cybersecurity for Vessels, Ports, and Shipping Operations

Codesecure Solutions is a specialized maritime cybersecurity company in Chennai, India, helping shipping companies, port operators, and fleet managers protect their vessels and shore-based infrastructure from cyber threats. Modern vessels are floating networks of interconnected IT and OT systems, from navigation systems like ECDIS and GPS to engine monitoring, cargo management, and satellite communication. A cyberattack on any of these systems can compromise crew safety, disrupt operations, and lead to significant financial and environmental consequences. Our maritime cybersecurity services address the unique challenges of securing systems that operate in isolated, high-latency, and physically remote environments.

With IMO mandating cyber risk management as part of the Safety Management System since January 2021, shipping companies must demonstrate that their vessels are protected. We help you meet these requirements through comprehensive network security audits, OT system assessments, gap analysis, and crew awareness programs that go beyond checkbox compliance to build real security resilience.

Maritime cybersecurity projects completed globally

4500+

Global Projects
Maritime organizations protected

150+

Clients Protect
Service quality guarantee

100%

Service Guarantee
Maritime security experts on the team

20+

Experts Team

Maritime Cybersecurity Services We Provide

Our maritime cybersecurity services cover the entire spectrum of vessel and shore-side security needs.

  • Vessel Network VAPT: Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing of onboard IT and OT networks, including bridge systems, engine room controls, and crew welfare networks
  • Navigation System Security: Assessment of ECDIS, GPS, AIS, radar, and other navigation systems for spoofing vulnerabilities, firmware weaknesses, and configuration errors
  • Communication System Audit: Evaluate VSAT, Fleet Broadband, and shore-to-ship communication links for firewall misconfigurations, unencrypted channels, and unauthorized access risks
  • OT/IT Convergence Assessment: Analyze the security boundaries between operational technology systems (engine controls, cargo systems) and information technology networks to prevent cross-contamination attacks
  • Cyber Risk Management Plan: Develop and review your cyber risk management procedures for integration into the Ship Safety Management System as required by IMO guidelines
  • Crew Cyber Awareness Training: Role-based training programs for officers, engineers, and ratings covering phishing, social engineering, USB threats, and incident reporting protocols
Maritime cybersecurity services including vessel VAPT and OT security

Our Maritime Cybersecurity Assessment Process

A structured approach designed for the unique challenges of maritime environments

Phase 1: Asset Inventory and Mapping

We catalog all onboard IT and OT assets, network connections, and communication links. This includes bridge systems, engine room controls, cargo systems, crew networks, and shore-to-ship connections to establish a complete maritime attack surface.

Phase 2: Vulnerability Assessment

We assess each system for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, default credentials, outdated firmware, and insecure protocols. OT systems are tested using non-intrusive methods that prevent disruption to critical vessel operations.

Phase 3: Network Segmentation Review

We verify that critical OT systems are properly isolated from IT networks and crew welfare systems. Effective segmentation prevents a compromised crew laptop from reaching navigation or engine control systems.

Phase 4: Compliance Gap Analysis

We map findings against IMO MSC.428(98), BIMCO guidelines, IACS UR E26/E27, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework to identify compliance gaps and ensure your Safety Management System meets regulatory requirements.

Phase 5: Reporting and Remediation Roadmap

You receive a comprehensive report with risk-rated findings, maritime-specific remediation recommendations, a compliance roadmap, and crew training recommendations. We support your team through implementation and verification.

Why Choose Codesecure for Maritime Cybersecurity

  • Maritime Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of vessel operations, OT systems, and the unique challenges of securing ships at sea
  • OT-Safe Testing: Non-intrusive assessment methods that protect critical vessel operations during testing
  • IMO Compliance Ready: Assessments aligned to IMO MSC.428(98), BIMCO, and IACS Unified Requirements for regulatory compliance
  • IT and OT Combined: We assess both information technology and operational technology systems, including the critical boundaries between them
  • Chennai Port Proximity: Based in Chennai with quick access to one of India's busiest ports for onboard assessments during port calls
  • End-to-End Services: From security audits and network testing to crew training and compliance documentation

Maritime Sectors We Serve

Our maritime cybersecurity expertise covers the full range of shipping and port operations.

  • Container Shipping Lines
  • Tanker and Bulk Carrier Operators
  • Port Authorities and Terminal Operators
  • Offshore Energy and Platform Operators
  • Ship Management Companies
  • Logistics and Freight Forwarders
  • Flag State and Classification Societies

Maritime Cybersecurity Frameworks We Assess Against

Our assessments align with international maritime cybersecurity standards and regulatory requirements

IMO MSC.428(98)

Ensure your cyber risk management is integrated into the Safety Management System as mandated by the International Maritime Organization for all ISM Code vessels.

BIMCO Guidelines

Implement the BIMCO Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships, providing a practical framework for identifying, protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents.

IACS UR E26/E27

Meet the International Association of Classification Societies Unified Requirements for cyber resilience of ships (E26) and onboard systems and equipment (E27) for new builds and existing vessels.

ISO 27001

For shore-based maritime IT infrastructure, align your information security management system with ISO 27001 controls for port operations, fleet management, and corporate networks.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Apply the NIST CSF Identify-Protect-Detect-Respond-Recover framework to maritime operations as recommended by the US Coast Guard and referenced in IMO guidelines.

ISPS Code

Integrate cybersecurity into your International Ship and Port Facility Security Code compliance, addressing the growing intersection of physical and cyber threats in maritime security.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maritime Cybersecurity

Modern vessels rely heavily on interconnected digital systems for navigation (ECDIS, GPS), communication (VSAT, GMDSS), cargo management, and engine monitoring. A cyberattack on these systems can disrupt operations, compromise crew safety, cause environmental damage, and result in significant financial losses. The IMO has mandated that ship operators integrate cyber risk management into their Safety Management Systems, making maritime cybersecurity a regulatory requirement.

IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) requires ship operators to integrate cyber risk management into their existing Safety Management Systems (SMS) as verified through the ISM Code. This requirement applies to all vessels subject to the ISM Code and has been mandatory since January 2021. Ship operators must demonstrate cyber risk management measures during their annual Document of Compliance (DOC) verification audits.

We assess all onboard IT and OT systems including navigation systems (ECDIS, GPS, AIS, radar), communication systems (VSAT, GMDSS), cargo management systems, engine room monitoring and control systems, ballast water management systems, bridge systems, crew welfare networks, and administrative IT systems. We also evaluate the network architecture that connects these systems and the shore-to-ship communication links.

We can perform remote assessments of shore-side infrastructure and network configurations while the vessel is at sea. However, for comprehensive onboard assessments that include physical inspection of systems, OT network testing, and crew interviews, we typically require access while the vessel is in port. We coordinate with your operations team to schedule assessments during port calls to minimize operational disruption.

Yes, crew cyber awareness training is a critical component of maritime cybersecurity. We provide training programs tailored to different crew roles, covering topics like phishing awareness, safe use of removable media, protection of navigation systems, password management, social engineering threats, and incident reporting procedures. Training can be delivered onboard during port calls or through online modules accessible at sea.

Cyber Threats at Sea Are Real. Is Your Fleet Protected?

Get a comprehensive maritime cybersecurity assessment covering vessel networks, OT systems, crew awareness, and IMO compliance