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Naval Dome has agreed to defend the Port of Ashdod’s critical Operational Technology (OT) systems from cybersecurity hacks.
The Port of Ashdod, Naval Dome’s first port reference, 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 as well as all access points and gateways.
Paola Rossi, Naval Dome’s vice president, said: “The impact of a cyber-attack cannot be underplayed. With expanding OT-based systems and network-based 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, damage systems, it can result in human casualties, and financial and reputation loss.”
Naval Dome will begin the retrofit in the first quarter of 2020, followed by integrating Port-Done into new systems and equipment in the future.
Naval Dome’s CEO Itai Sela said: “Port-Dome is uniquely designed for port OT systems which, as we have seen from past experience, are susceptible to cyber-attack if not protected…
“No training is required, and the Port of Ashdod’s OT systems will continue to operate the same as they did prior to the installation. The only difference being hackers will be unable to gain access.”
Ashdod Port’s chairwoman Orna Hozman Bechor said: ”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 does not affect the port’s or our customers operations…
“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.”
Situated about 40 km from Tel Aviv, the port is the foremost gateway to the State of Israel and has an annual container throughput of more than 1.5m teu, handling the largest volume out of all Israeli ports.