Cyber-SHIP Lab
(Security, Hardware, Information and Protection)
Cyber-attacks can cost companies millions, threaten national security and endanger human life
While relatively well understood in most sectors, it is becoming clear that, although the maritime sector is becoming more technologically advanced, it is not well protected against cyber or cyber-physical attacks and accidents.
The University of Plymouth intends to create a specialised Cyber-SHIP Lab that will combine maritime technology with leading-edge thinking from cyber-security.
The Cyber-SHIP Lab will create a national resource for research and training, encouraging opportunities for ongoing maritime-cyber consultancy and research to safeguard the sector going forward, and will build on activity to date that includes a series of events including two ‘CyMar’ conferences in 2018, and our already developed Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship.
Stakeholders including the Shipping Industry, Equipment Suppliers, Classification Societies and Insurers will be in a unique position to shape and benefit from critical research in areas covering logistical, business and psychological aspects to safeguard future operation.
Drawing on extensive track record of research in areas looking at areas including:
- threats and impacts in maritime cyber security
- cyber-risk assessment for autonomous ships
- model-based frameworks for maritime cyber-risk assessment
- maritime cyber-security policy: the scope and impact of evolving technology on international shipping.
Outputs from the Centre will help identify security-risks, stimulate the development of meaningful solutions, and provide a space for demonstrations, outreach, and training leading to the adoption of best-practice and policy to ensure national-security.
Creation of Ship’s Bridge
A key component of the Centre is our intention to obtain the necessary systems and hardware that can be configured to become a range of ship bridges that can be found in the real world.
This facility will complement our already existing Ship’s Bridge Simulator, bringing together key equipment readily used in today’s fleet that can then be configured in vessel-specific layouts.
This unique facility can then be used to determine key vulnerabilities when subjected to a range of attacks, leading to the development and demonstration of safeguards at both technical and system, and operational level.
Join with us in the creation of the Cyber-SHIP Lab
The University of Plymouth has an unrivalled track-record of industry engagement translating our leading research outputs into everyday societal benefit. We are now actively seeking partners to join with us in the creation of the Cyber-SHIP Lab.
Whether your interest is in shaping future collaborative research, meeting future training needs, or to ensure equipment resilience, please contact Kevin Forshaw to discuss how your organisation can be engaged in this pioneering, globally-leading development for maritime.
Maritime Cyber Threats research group
View more maritime cyber activity from the University of Plymouth.