VIP Privacy Shield — secure devices, communications and privacy for key persons on board

VIP Privacy Shield is a dedicated cybersecurity layer for the Master and key shipboard personnel (whose devices directly affect operational safety), with the option to extend coverage to the Owner/management and passengers/guests — depending on the vessel type (commercial fleet or yacht) and the voyage profile.

• security of personal devices (smartphones/laptops/tablets);
• protected channels for conversations and document exchange;
• protection against digital surveillance and interception attempts;
• incident readiness (including scenarios involving Starlink or the onboard network).

1) Personal device protection (bringing devices to a secure standard)

We start with the devices of the Master, senior officers, ETO/technical specialists and other roles where compromise may lead to leaks, downtime, or operational risk. The same standard is then applied to the personal devices of the Owner/management and passengers/guests.

We configure devices so that:

• data remains protected even if a device is lost or stolen (encryption, secure lock);
• the risk of “silent” compromise is minimized (checks for suspicious profiles, certificates and traffic redirection);
• apps do not create unnecessary leakage (permissions, secure settings for messaging/email/browser);
• updates and critical patches are applied in a timely manner.

Result: devices are more resilient in higher-risk environments (port/terminal, marina, hotel, public networks).

2) Account security (email, cloud, messengers)

Many attacks on a vessel’s operational environment begin with account compromise of key individuals. We:

• enable strong sign-in methods (multi-factor protection / passkeys);
• review active sessions and suspicious logins;
• remove settings abused by attackers (hidden forwarding rules, suspicious app permissions).

Result: the likelihood of “email/messenger takeover → access to everything” is sharply reduced.

3) Secure channels for conversations and document exchange

We define clear rules and configure tools so that secure communications are available for vessel operations (coordination with shore, management and vendors) and, when required, for confidential communications of the Owner/management and guests.

• conversations take place over protected channels;
• it is easy to confirm you are speaking with the right person (protection against contact spoofing);
• documents are transferred safely (access control, minimizing unnecessary distribution).

Result: critical and confidential matters are handled through channels resistant to interception and spoofing.

4) Onboard communications segment (a dedicated secure network)

We establish a dedicated secure communications segment on board — starting with a segment for key shipboard roles, and, when required, a separate segment for the Owner/management and passengers/guests. For commercial vessels this helps separate operational communications from “passenger/comfort” devices; for yachts it strengthens privacy.

• separate Wi-Fi/segment for key users;
• isolation from guest networks and shared-use devices;
• policies preventing “neighbouring” of trusted devices with unknown devices on the same network.

Result: third-party devices cannot impact the privacy and security of critical communications.

5) Anti-surveillance and anti-interception measures

We implement measures that reduce the risk of:

• connecting to rogue Wi-Fi;
• traffic interception and connection “man-in-the-middle” substitution;
• tracking and unnecessary metadata leakage.

Result: a smaller digital footprint and fewer opportunities for covert surveillance — in ports, terminals, marinas and at sea.

6) Incident action plan (readiness without panic)

You receive short “what to do” instructions if:

• there is suspicion of compromise of a key crew member’s device/account or a VIP’s;
• eavesdropping/spoofing is suspected;
• communications/Starlink are unstable, blocked or compromised.

Result: faster response, less downtime, lower impact — and reduced risk of escalation into vessel systems.

What you receive

• key persons’ devices configured to an agreed secure standard (with an option to extend to Owner/management and guests);
• hardened accounts (email/cloud/messengers) with login anomaly checks;
• working secure channels for conversations and document exchange;
• dedicated onboard network segments with isolation and clear usage rules;
• quick-reference guidance and response playbooks + short awareness briefing.

Navigation & OT Security: protecting critical onboard systems across maritime vessels

We secure the operational (OT) systems of maritime vessels — the systems that directly underpin ship handling, navigational safety and vessel survivability. This includes not only ECDIS and propulsion/engine control, but also safety systems such as fire detection and firefighting, emergency alarms, sensors and automation, and other critical domains.

For large yachts, this domain typically requires additional hardening: high IT/OT density, extensive systems integration, frequent contractor connections, and elevated expectations for privacy and operational continuity.

The goal is to prevent unauthorized influence, reduce the risk of errors caused by data manipulation (including GPS spoofing), and make remote maintenance controlled, transparent and secure.

1) Segmentation and strict isolation of OT domains (navigation, propulsion/engine, safety)

Onboard OT systems are often connected to “general” infrastructure (crew devices, office services, passenger networks, contractor/service connections). Without proper separation, a compromise of a non-critical device can become a pathway into critical systems.

We implement an architecture where:

• the network is divided into zones by purpose: passenger/guest (where applicable), crew/office, service devices, IT services, and a dedicated OT domain;
• within the OT domain, separate segments are defined for navigation, propulsion/engine control and safety systems;
• inter-zone communications are restricted under a “only what is necessary is allowed” principle;
• contractor and new-device connections follow a controlled procedure: who, when, for how long and with which privileges.

Result: issues and compromises in office/passenger zones do not propagate into navigation, propulsion/engine and safety systems, and the OT domain becomes manageable and resilient.

2) Protecting navigation against GPS spoofing and data manipulation

GPS spoofing involves feeding false position/speed/course to equipment, so navigation may appear normal while the data is manipulated. This increases the risk of track deviation and navigational incidents.

We perform:

• an assessment of how navigational data reaches ECDIS and related systems (sources, data paths, trust points);
• early anomaly detection measures: plausibility checks, cross-checking sources (where available), and correct thresholding;
• alerting setup and a practical watchkeeping response procedure for suspected manipulation/interference.

Result: the risk of “silent” position manipulation is reduced, and the bridge team has clear indicators and a defined response.

3) Controlling remote access to the engine room and OT systems

Remote access is often needed for diagnostics and service, but it is frequently implemented insecurely (shared passwords, permanent contractor accounts, no logs, direct connections into systems). We bring remote maintenance into a controlled and verifiable mode.

We implement:

• access via a secure gateway (no direct connections to critical systems);
• “need-to-access only” and for an agreed time window (time-bounded sessions, automatic disablement after work);
• multi-factor authentication (MFA) and named user accounts (instead of “shared logins”);
• the least-privilege principle for contractors and personnel;
• logging and audit: who connected, when, from where, and what actions were performed.

Result: service remains practical, but becomes controlled and transparent, while the risk of unauthorized access is reduced.

4) Protecting safety and survivability systems (Fire & Safety OT)

Our OT Security scope includes critical safety domains such as fire detection and firefighting, emergency alarms and public address/alerting, sensors and automation, and other vital subsystems (depending on the vessel’s class and configuration).

For these systems we implement:

• isolation from passenger/“general” networks and office infrastructure;
• strict control of remote access and privileges;
• protection against unauthorized configuration changes;
• verification of logging and maintenance procedures.

Result: safety systems remain resilient against cyber influence and erroneous changes, and maintenance becomes safer and controllable.

5) Operational procedures

We implement practical rules and instructions for crew and management:

• who authorizes contractor remote access, and how the purpose and time window are recorded;
• what to do in suspected GPS spoofing/interference (a short action checklist);
• how to quickly isolate a segment in the event of suspected compromise;
• which indicators to treat as “red flags” and who to report to.

What you receive

• a segmented and controlled OT domain: navigation, propulsion/engine and safety systems are separated and protected;
• GPS spoofing countermeasures and a clear bridge response protocol;
• controlled remote access (MFA, time windows, least privilege, logs);
• a set of operational instructions for the Master, Chief Engineer and management.

24/7 Monitoring & Response (Cyber Guard)

24/7 Monitoring & Response is round-the-clock cyber protection for a maritime vessel and its connected services (communications, network, key IT/OT systems), enabling earlier attack detection, rapid containment and controlled recovery without downtime or panic.

We design the process so an incident does not turn into operational disruption, loss of communications, or a breach of safety and confidentiality. For large yachts, we additionally strengthen the privacy perimeter for the owner and guests, and tighten control over external connectivity and service activities.

What the service includes

1) Continuous security monitoring (24/7 Monitoring)

We continuously track indicators of threats and suspicious activity, for example:

• unusual sign-in attempts to systems and accounts;
• suspicious network connections (unknown devices, atypical activity);
• scanning attempts, password spraying/brute force, and other attack indicators;
• anomalies in communications nodes and network infrastructure (including satellite links — subject to integration availability).

Result: issues are detected early — before they impact ship handling, communications, or critical operations.

2) Immediate response & containment (Response & Containment)

When an incident is identified, we follow proven procedures:

• contain the issue (isolate a device/account/network segment);
• limit lateral spread (so other systems are not affected);
• remediate the impact (close the exposure, remove malicious changes, restore correct configurations);
• when required, switch to backup communications/access scenarios.

Result: the incident does not spread across the vessel’s environment and is resolved as quickly and safely as possible.

3) Incident investigation (Digital Forensics)

If an incident occurs, it is critical to understand not only “how to fix it” but also its root cause and mechanism. We:

• collect and analyze technical evidence (event logs, system actions, network artifacts);
• identify the root cause and the attack vector;
• assess which systems and data may have been affected;
• define measures to prevent recurrence.

Result: a clear incident picture, an evidence base, and concrete steps to strengthen defenses.

4) Controlled recovery (Recovery)

After containment and investigation, we ensure:

• safe restoration of access and service availability;
• verification that infrastructure and devices are “clean” and free of hidden impact;
• return to normal operations while minimizing re-infection/recompromise risk;
• post-incident recommendations to strengthen protection.

Result: recovery is performed in a controlled manner — no guesswork, minimal downtime.

5) Clear communications for the Master and management

We organize collaboration so it works not only for technical teams:

• we agree in advance who is notified and how (operator/Master/Chief Engineer/manager; for yachts — owner/management office when required);
• we use clear statuses: “detected — contained — remediated — recovered”;
• we provide short “what to do now” guidance when actions on board are required.

Result: decisions are made quickly, without confusion or responsibility gaps.

Systems typically covered by monitoring

Depending on the vessel architecture and the agreed monitoring perimeter, coverage may include:

• network infrastructure (Wi-Fi, routers, network segments);
• internet and satellite communications links (including Starlink — subject to integration availability);
• crew workstations/devices and office services;
• selected critical domains within an OT Security project — as agreed.

What you receive

• 24/7 cyber guard: detection and early warning;
• rapid response: containment, limiting spread, remediation;
• Digital Forensics: investigation with “why and how” conclusions;
• controlled recovery: safe return to normal operations;
• regular reporting (as agreed): concise and actionable;
• recommendations to strengthen protection based on observations and incidents.

How the workflow looks

1. Onboarding to monitoring (connecting event sources and tuning rules).
2. Continuous monitoring and alerting on threats.
3. Response according to agreed playbooks.
4. Investigation and reporting for incidents.
5. Recovery and improvements to reduce recurrence risk.

IACS/IMO Inspection Readiness & Crew Cyber Readiness

We prepare maritime vessels for IACS/IMO inspections and requirements so that the outcome is not “paper compliance” but real operational readiness. The result is clear procedures, a trained crew, controlled contractors, and cybersecurity embedded into day-to-day vessel operations. For large yachts, we additionally strengthen the privacy perimeter, governance of external integrations, and control of service connectivity.

What the service includes

1) IACS/IMO inspection readiness (without unnecessary bureaucracy)

We assess the current state and bring the vessel to practical compliance:

• identify critical systems (navigation, communications, OT/engineering domains, safety systems);
• identify key risks and weak points (contractor remote access, “shared passwords”, lack of logging, mixed networks);
• implement controls that can be verified and that work in real operations.

Result: inspections are predictable, and the protections remain in place after the audit.

2) Vessel cyber risk management system (clear rules and accountability)

We establish a simple, workable cybersecurity management framework:

• define roles and responsibilities (Master, Chief Engineer, ETO/IT, manager, service contractors);
• introduce baseline rules: access, updates, device connections, removable media, remote support;
• create short “what to do” procedures for incident situations.

Result: clear order instead of chaos — fewer crew and contractor errors.

3) Crew training in cybersecurity and anti-phishing practice

We train the crew in practical skills rather than theory:

• how to recognize phishing, spoofed emails and “urgent” payment/access requests;
• how to detect contact spoofing (messages that appear to be from the owner/manager);
• how to use Wi-Fi and external networks safely (port/terminal, marina, hotel, contractor networks);
• what to do if a device/account compromise is suspected;
• how to act during an incident without making it worse.

Format: short sessions, real examples, checklists and scenario drills. Result: the crew becomes the “first line of defence”, reducing human-factor entry points.

4) Involvement during New-Build and Refit

We can engage early — during new vessel design or refit planning — and support cybersecurity as part of the engineering architecture. We define requirements and solutions for IT/OT network segmentation, secure remote access, logging and monitoring, resilience/backup principles and operational procedures, and we support integrators and contractors through to acceptance. For large yachts, special attention is given to “comfort” integrations, privacy requirements, and frequent service connections and updates.

Result: cybersecurity is designed in correctly from day one, avoiding costly late rework, and aligning with practical IACS/IMO expectations and real operations.

5) Cybersecurity design and continuous improvement (for operations)

We help build cybersecurity as part of the vessel’s operating model:

• define a clear network and zone model (passenger/guest, crew, office/operations, service, OT/navigation/propulsion, safety);
• set requirements for remote access, logging and backup/recovery;
• implement rules that increase resilience against mistakes and unauthorized interference.

Result: cybersecurity becomes a managed element of operations, not a set of disconnected controls.

6) Contractor control during newbuild, refit and maintenance

Contractors and integrators are a major source of cyber risk. We implement a controlled process:

• requirements for secure installation and configuration of equipment;
• issuance and revocation of remote access (time-bound, named accounts, MFA);
• elimination of “shared passwords” and untracked connections;
• log review: who connected and what actions were performed;
• acceptance checks to ensure no “open doors” remain after service (open ports, test accounts, unsafe settings).

Result: service remains efficient, but stops being a “black box” and a potential entry point.

What you receive

• vessel readiness for IACS/IMO inspections with a focus on practical controls;
• a set of clear procedures: access, remote support, incident response;
• trained crew + anti-phishing guidance and incident quick references;
• contractor oversight and clear maintenance rules;
• evidence of implemented measures (checklists, records, verification results).