Marlink, the smart digital solutions company, has received Type Approval Certification from global classification society Bureau Veritas for its XChange integrated ICT management platform, according to the company's release.
The rapid adoption of LEO internet and 4G/5G cellular services promises to deliver ever higher volumes of data onboard ship, including video calls, streaming services and crew internet access. It also increases the surface of attack of vessels and their operators to cyber threats and calls for cyber-hardened onboard equipment.
Under Unified Requirement (UR E27) issued by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), end-users must demonstrate that systems are secured and hardened by third-party equipment suppliers. Also included are additional requirements for cyber resilience of onboard systems and equipment. A parallel rule, UR E26 targets the ship’s OT/IT architecture as a collective entity for cyber resilience and covers five key aspects: equipment identification, protection, attack detection, response and recovery.
Vessel managers and operators will need to define and implement IT policies across all networks and apply measures to each based on where the data lands. These include managing individual devices using endpoint protection, network level security through unified threat management and proactive threat remediation, all services offered from inside the Marlink network.
Marlink manages over 100,000 endpoints through its Cyberguard Portfolio, which includes modules for Threat Detection and Endpoint Security, the CyberGuard portal which allows customers to visualize threats and apply remote remediation, as well operating full Security Operations Centre (SOC), and Remediation and Response services.
XChange already provides users on approximately 7,000 vessels with efficient ICT management in a secure manner. XChange orchestrates and optimises all communications, network elements and applications, from IT provision and data processing to system-based routing as well as digital solutions including cloud connectivity, cyber security, remote access to Internet of Things and Operational Technology assets.
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.