One Gate provides multi-levels of protection by combining multi-layered technology, machine learning and human expertise to provide the best level of protection possible.
The system provides endpoint protection to support all operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux and Android, all managed from a single security center.
IEC Telecom’s OneGate solution also provides a local proxy to optimize SATCOM and the technology’s anti-virus maritime solution comes with an option for automatic updates from a central point inside a vessel’s network to avoid redundant data download.
In addition, OneGate protects against the introduction of cyber threats from users by separating the vessel management system from its crew welfare network. Crew are able to access social media networks, internet services, online training resources, and so on, without impacting on critical vessel functions.
Vessel operators are able to maintain tight control over their communication budgets and usage and can even set credit limits on in-bundle data usage, enabling the link to be automatically disconnected when the limit is reached.
Mr. Mauritz said, “Every time we go on board vessels we discover things like outdated software no longer supported by the provider or protected by anti-virus software. This is why we are now introducing a OneGate machine for Windows that will enable us to host servers and take control of updates. We believe it is important to enable customers to work in a way they are familiar with and the company can an help to bring those standardized solutions up to date.”
Business contingency planning is crucial and IEC telecom provides GSM and L-band back up to ensure minimal connectivity is secured — even if the VSAT fails while the vessel is at sea. This also enables IEC’s support services to remotely access the systems. Under those circumstances, the MSS backup link will be restricted to emails only by default (the IEC home networks only).
OneGate also helps ship operators to overcome logistics problems when it comes to updating onboard systems. Revealing that 90 percent of their technician’s time is spent trouble-shooting from remote sites,
Mr. Mauritz explained, “In the past, in order to carry out a system repair or update the vessel operator had to organize for a software engineer to meet the vessel and go on board to configure it. This could take three to four months to arrange. Today, using OneGate, we can access all the ship operating systems from a central dashboard without needed to be present on board. We can do in two minutes what previously took several months to achieve.”
The cost savings and greater efficiencies of such a facility are significant. Future proofing vessel systems to enable them to adapt to emerging threats and evolve to meet new requirements is essential. OneGate has been built with this facility already in place.
Mr. Mauritz added, “Greater vessel digitalization may lead eventually to autonomous vessels where the nature of cyber threats will evolve too. Today we need to make sure that we are putting the correct infrastructure in place in order to be able to respond to new cyber threats as they emerge in the future.”
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Alf Stian Mauritz has been the Managing Director of IEC Telecom Norway since 2005, when he created the company. IEC Telecom Group undertook a strategic investment by acquiring the Norwegian company Tradee Telecom in 2012. Since then Alf Stian has led IEC Telecoms’ expansion into both Sweden and Denmark. Following this successful expansion, Alf Stian was appointed to the position of Group VP – Business Development. He has a deep understanding of Northern European countries and their need for reliable telecommunications and has substantial experience in providing advanced communication solutions to governmental organizations as well as the maritime sector.