Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries announced on Monday it has been certified as the world’s first provider of cyber security technology for a smart ship by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Achieving ABS recognition means that the solution can now be used by smart ship operators to protect vessel data , data network and storage from internal and external cyber-attacks.

Shares of Samsung Heavy Industries Monday ended 2.12 percent down at 7,850 won ($7.27).

The technology passed a rigorous review in 16 test items recommended by the ABS, including physical security (protection from theft, fire and other external threats), operating system security, access control, security control and pentesting. Samsung Heavy Industries’ Smart Ship Solution has demonstrated its ability to help a next-generation ship to thoroughly respond to cyber risk, the ABS said.

Cyber security is increasingly imperative for the shipping and shipbuilding sector amid growing chances of information exchange between ships or between ship and ground facilities. Poor cyber security can cause serious business interruption and inhibit productivity by allowing data to be wiped or stolen.

In June last year, Maersk, the world’s largest container ship and supply vessel operator, said it had to overhaul its infrastructure and reinstall thousands of machines in Europe after a devastating ransomware attack struck its businesses across the region.

By Woo Je-yoon and Minu Kim

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