More secure ship reporting systems buoy maritime safety

Maritime control and surveillance depends heavily on ship reporting systems (SRSs), which are vulnerable to attacks by dishonest operators or criminals. With inexpensive technology now available that can be exploited to compromise these systems, it is crucial for the maritime sector to prevent such malicious attacks.

Against this backdrop, the EU-funded TRITON (Trusted vessel information from trusted on-board instrumentation) project is working on upgrading on-board equipment in reporting systems. These include vessel monitoring systems and automatic identification systems, as well as long-range identification and tracking.

To achieve its aims, the project team is developing a more robust and secure global navigation satellite system receiver that is impervious to jamming and spoofing attacks. This results in much more accurate information on positioning and timing for on-board equipment. The team is also upgrading very-high-frequency communication between vessels and with land-based stations to ensure better security and communication reliability.

Already, TRITON has analysed state-of-the-art reporting systems, evaluated potential risks and studied relevant legislation. It identified and evaluated security threats in order to establish specifications for designing and developing better equipment. After analysing the best ways to detect jamming and mitigate spoofing, the project proposed feasible and viable security solutions to integrate aboard vessels.

Currently, work is focusing on testing new high-tech solutions that will guard against intentional interference and malicious attacks. The final project results will also include guidelines to advance policymaking and regulations in light of emerging maritime applications and advantages. With more secure surveillance and safety systems, civilian and commercial maritime control will become much more efficient.