Constanta Maritime University and cybersecurity at sea provider Cydome have entered a new partnership that will advance research into maritime cybercrime and the mitigation of cyberthreats.

The collaboration will result in a joint hub for all maritime participants to contribute to the cyberthreats database, which will enhance research capabilities into the industry’s vulnerabilities.

The partnership addresses an important gap in the market: the shared knowledge of cyberthreats in the maritime industry. Currently, companies are shying away from sharing incidents, which means the industry cannot properly tackle either present or future vulnerabilities.

Constanta Maritime University reviewed several different cybersecurity providers and chose Cydome due to its experience not just in cybersecurity, but specifically in maritime. Cydome has collaborated with many professional bodies for enhanced research around cyberthreats. 

Professor Gabriel Raicu, vice rector for innovation & research of Constanta Maritime University, explained: “We engaged with Cydome in June 2021 to carry out joint research into maritime cyberthreats and vulnerabilities. Cydome was chosen for its leading technology and innovative approach to solving the problems of maritime cybersecurity. Its solution was built around the entire vessel, with no compromise, including the equipment, computers, devices (IT and OT) deployed onboard, the specific architecture and the complexity of connectivity onboard. For us, Cydome is the perfect partner in our research endeavours to secure the sea.”

Avital Sincai, COO of Cydome, said: “We are very pleased to have partnered with one of the most prestigious maritime universities in the world. Together, we will create a shared hub of information on cybercrimes in the industry, which will facilitate ongoing research and innovation in the market. It’s the beginning of a community which cares about securing the sea, and we will be looking to add more partners along the road who wish to take part in this joint effort programme. We hope the partnership will unlock a new level of innovation and, therefore, protection for the maritime industry.”