TMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaPort of StocktonBühler GmbHGeneva DryVigan
  • Telestack
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Geneva Dry
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Van Aalst

ClassNK Releases its Cyber Security Approach

ClassNK Releases its Cyber Security Approach

(Posted on 02/04/19)

Leading classification society ClassNK has released the ClassNK Cyber Security Approach which outlines its basic approach to ensuring onboard cyber security for ships. It was released alongside its Guidelines for Designing Cyber Security Onboard Ships for newbuilding designs as the first part of the ClassNK Cyber Security Series which incorporates requirements for taking onboard cyber security measures.

Response to cyber threats is an urgent matter for the entire maritime industry. The ClassNK Cyber Security Approach was compiled as a basic way of thinking for helping stakeholders take appropriate measures for onboard cyber security and is also based on trends in international institutions and maritime bodies.

In the ClassNK Cyber Security Approach, ensuring navigational safety is regarded the most important goal of onboard cyber security. To achieve it, it is of high priority to ensure availability of systems in terms of operation technology (OT) as well as information technology (IT) systems, which support operation of ships. To mitigate cyber risks in both IT and OT, the Society will propose measures based on a balanced combination of physical, technical, and organizational approaches, such as designing ships and onboard equipment with security by design, constructing management systems during service, etc.

Specifically, ClassNK will classify cyber security controls into different layers, and clarify what each stakeholder should do for each layer by adopting requirements from the existing standards on cyber security that are considered applicable to ships. Further, in light of the increased use of IT for the operation of ships and international trends in cyber security, the Society will analyze the latest information with experts and propose current best practices in cyber security controls for ships.

Based on these concepts, ClassNK will continually publish guidelines and standards that specify the parties responsible for implementing cyber security controls and the details thereof as part of the "ClassNK Cyber Security Series".

At the same time ClassNK released its Guidelines for Designing Cyber Security Onboard Ships for newbuilding designs targeting shipyards and ship-building owners as the first part of the ClassNK Cyber Security Series. The guidelines include security measures from the NIST SP800-53(*) compiled for the US Government that can apply to ships, and the latest IACS recommendations. The guidelines which include the ClassNK Cyber Security Approach are available to download free of charge via ClassNK’s website www.classnk.com for those who have registered for the ClassNK “My Page” service. 

As part of the ClassNK Cyber Security Series, ClassNK will also be releasing the Cyber Security Management System for Ships that targets ship management, and Software Security Guidelines that target ship software in the near future.

Latest News

Biomar delivered to AtoB@C Shipping as production of last vessel of series begins

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Biomar has been delivered to ESL Shipping's subsidiary AtoB@C Shipping on June 16, bringing the number... Read more


Smart Ship Hub digital platform deployed for Great Eastern Shipping Company fleet

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. (GESCO), India's largest private fleet owner of bulkers and tankers,... Read more


Baltic Exchange introduces monthly audits to improve Baltic index quality

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Baltic Exchange has launched a new quality control mechanism to support its ongoing audit policies for... Read more


INTERCARGO report: Safety gains continue but security threats emerge

(Posted on 15/06/25)

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, reports encouraging progress in bulk... Read more


Marcura and Sedna Partner to simplify maritime workflows

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Marcura and Dataloy Systems have announced a new phase in their long-standing strategic partnership... Read more


Ageing fleet drives surge in number of maritime incidents, says DNV report

(Posted on 06/06/25)

According to DNV’s latest report, Maritime Safety Trends 2014-2024 - Preparing for future risks... Read more


Two Damen Combi Freighters 3850 launched for Fast Lines Belgium

(Posted on 06/06/25)

The second of three Damen Combi Freighters (CF) 3850 has been launched in China for Fast Lines Belgium... Read more


Columbia: Diversity’s ‘forgotten twin’ inclusion must be priority

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Inclusion is every bit as important as diversity in ensuring that shipping becomes a truly welcoming... Read more


Postfix for shipbrokers made simple

(Posted on 02/06/25)

AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions and market intelligence... Read more


Veson Nautical and Great Eastern Shipping go live with IMOS Platform

(Posted on 30/05/25)

Veson Nautical, a global leader in maritime data and freight management solutions, and The Great Eastern... Read more


TelestackCimbriaVan AalstTBA GroupSailors Society
  • Vigan
  • Cimbria

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping