ClassNK releases cyber security guidelines

The ClassNK Security Approach document was released alongside its Guidelines for Designing Cyber Security Onboard Ships for newbuilding designs as the first part of the ClassNK Cyber Security Series.

ClassNK regards ensuring navigational safety the most important goal of onboard cyber security and stresses that it is vital that systems remain available. To mitigate cyber risks in both IT and operation technology, the society proposes measures based on a balanced combination of physical, technical, and organisational approaches, such as designing ships and onboard equipment with security built in.

Specifically, ClassNK classifies cyber security controls into different layers, and clarifies what each stakeholder should do for each layer. The Society also analyses the latest information with experts and proposes current best practice.

ClassNK has also released its Guidelines for Designing Cyber Security Onboard Ships for newbuilding designs targeting shipyards and ship-building owners. These guidelines include security measures from the NIST SP800-53 compiled for the US government that applies to ships, and the latest recommendations from the International Association of Classification Societies.

The guidelines are available to download free of charge via ClassNK’s website for those who have registered for the ClassNK ‘My Page’ service.