Hanwha Systems' vessel cybersecurity system approved by US classification society

Hanhwa Systems, a Korean technology solutions provider affiliated with Hanwha Group, said Tuesday that its cybersecurity solution system for ships has been certified by a US-based ship classification society for the first time in Asia.

The SecuAider system recently passed a type approval test for “E27 TA” after the American Bureau of Shipping assessed whether the onboard system meets mandatory cyber resilience requirements.

The official certificate was awarded to Hanwha Systems on Monday at the company’s headquarters in Seoul.

SecuAider protects a ship’s data and network from cyberattacks, such as hacking, ransomware and malicious code infections, as it is installed within the ship’s network and linked to onboard systems and equipment.

The system provides real-time cyber-security status monitoring, AI-based anomaly detection, threat blocking and real-time remote response.

ABS issued this approval after conducting tests to ensure the product maintains its functions and safety throughout the entire lifecycle — from design and production to operation and maintenance. This marks the first instance in Asia of a company passing this rigorous test for a vessel cybersecurity solution.

The global certification opened the door for Hanwha Systems to sell the system to ABS-approved shipbuilders and shipping companies, including the world’s largest shippers — Mediterranean Shipping Company and Maersk.

“Leveraging SecuAider, which has been certified as a world-class cybersecurity solution, we aim to strengthen the cybersecurity of various commercial ship line-up and defense companies, both domestically and internationally,” said a Hanwha Systems spokesperson. “We are also exploring opportunities to expand into major markets, including the US.”