Protecting the Port of Ashdod

WITH POrT-DOME CyBEr SECUrITy SySTEM

NAVAl DOME HAS SIgNED AN AgrEEMENT TO DEfEND THE POrT Of ASHDOD’S CrITICAl OT SySTEMS frOM CyBEr SECUrITy HACkS, IN WHAT MArkS THE fIrST POrT rEfErENCE fOr THE COMPANy’S AWArD-WINNINg TECHNOlOgy.

all photos COUrTESy Of rONEN AkErMAN.

The Port of Ashdod will start pilot trials of the Port-Dome cyber protection on several systems in early 2020, after which the technology will be installed across the port’s entire network. This will include traffic control systems (VTMS/VTS), berths, bridges, locks and gates, terminal cranes and storage facilities, and all access points and gateways. Itai Sela, CEO, Naval Dome, says: “PortDome is uniquely designed for port OT systems which, as we have seen from past experience, are susceptible to cyber-attack if not protected. Port-Dome is the leading solution for port and terminal operators as it provides the highest level of cyber defence without having to upgrade systems or change existing infrastructures. No training is required, and the Port of Ashdod’s OT systems will continue to operate in the same way as they did prior to the installation. The only difference being that hackers will be unable to gain access.”

2020 Ashdod Port, about 40km from Tel Aviv, is the foremost gateway to the State of Israel. With an annual container throughput of more than 1.5MTEU, it handles the largest volume of containers of all Israeli ports. The port has also seen growth in general and bulk cargoes. Naval Dome will begin the retrofit security installation in the first quarter of 2020, followed by integrating Port-Dome into new systems and equipment in the future. “Once Port-Dome has been installed, the Port of Ashdod will be one of the most secure container terminals in operation”, continues Mr Sela. Orna Hozman-Bechor, Ashdod Port’s Chairwoman adds: “With the security of the world’s ports and terminals vital to ensuring the supply of energy, commodities and consumer goods to market, we have partnered with Naval Dome to ensure that should a cyber event take place, it will not affect the port’s or our customers’ operations. Port Dome is a technological must-have for any automated port with network-based OT systems. Ashdod Port overcame the red tape many governmental companies deal with and is now connected to the world of innovation and technology. I am proud to lead the first port in Israel to have stepped up to the challenge, bringing Ashdod Port to an advanced global standard.”

Three Types of Technology Application Naval Dome has adapted its award-winning maritime cyber protection technology for compatibility with port-based systems and naval vessels and rebranded its directinstallation security software to differentiate between the different types of application. The cyber-defence software will now be marketed as Port Dome for ports and harbours; as Marine Dome for use in commercial vessels, cruise ships and yachts;

Orna Hozma Bechor, Ashdod port’s Chairwoman

and as Navy Dome for application in naval vessel and military craft.

Mr Sela explains: “We have adapted the software for compatibility with systems typically used in ports and harbours and naval vessels. While the technology is intrinsically the same, we have changed some of the algorithms to suit the different types of systems and equipment used in these areas.” Ido Ben-Moshe, Vice President Business Development at Naval Dome, adds that ports are particularly vulnerable as they become more reliant on networked connectivity. Mr Ben-Moshe says: “The

The Port of Ashdod in the State of Israel.

increase in autonomous, connected machinery, computer-integrated operating systems and terminal management systems will leave ports increasingly susceptible to a cyber-attack if they are not properly protected. It is crucial that ports’ OT systems are as impregnable and impervious to cyber-crime as the ships we protect.”

Naval Dome’s Vice-President of Marketing, Paola rossi, states: “The impact of a cyberattack cannot be underplayed. With expanding OT-based systems and networkbased technologies, alongside the increase in systems using gPS-based location services, seaports will become increasingly susceptible to attack. If successful hackers can paralyse the supply chain’s central artery; shut down port operations and damage systems, it will result in human casualties, financial loss and reputational damage.”

i. navaldome.com