optima-cyber.com
SYS_STATUS // Specialist · Every door, closed
Cybersecurity built for shipping.
IMO compliance, IT/OT audits, and 24/7 fleet monitoring. Engineered for the realities of global maritime commerce.
FLEET_OT_SHIELD: ACTIVE
SATELLITE_UPLINK SECURE
Fleet-wide satellite connectivity. Inbound datalinks audited and communications encrypted via multi-layered protocols.
ECDIS_BRIDGE_NET AUDITED
Navigation terminal files and chart update pathways fully audited. Firmware integrity checked for spoofing prevention.
PROPULSION_OT_PLC LOCKED
Main engine controls, alarm monitoring, and generator PLCs strictly segregated from administrative networks.
CARGO_BALLAST_PLC MONITORED
Pumping systems and cargo valves continuously monitored against unauthorized payload commands or configuration overrides.
CREW_WIFI_VLAN ISOLATED
Crew entertainment and private connectivity isolated on physical VLAN subnets to prevent lateral threat migration.
AUDIT_LOG_STREAM // SOC_WATCH_LIVE
> INITIALIZING FLEET SECURITY AUDIT SEED...
> ALL INTERFACES NOMINAL // SECURE
> SATELLITE VPN LINK VERIFIED: AES_256
> [OK] IMO 2021 SAFETY PROTOCOLS ENFORCED
Optima · Cyber desk The primary target
What we do.
Cybersecurity Built for Shipping
Modern vessels operate through interconnected bridge systems, engine-room OT, cargo controls, crew networks, and satellite communications, creating operational dependence on secure digital infrastructure at sea.
Cyber threats including ransomware, GPS spoofing, ECDIS interference, and shore-to-ship network compromise now present direct operational, financial, and regulatory risks for shipowners and operators.
Optima Cyber integrates cybersecurity into the vessel's operational framework through maritime-focused risk assessment, monitoring, crew awareness, incident response, recovery planning, and IMO cyber compliance.
Built specifically for shipping, combining maritime operational knowledge with cybersecurity expertise.
What Optima Cyber Delivers
From bridge electronics to shore-side data centres, from SMS integration to penetration tests, every Optima Cyber mandate lives inside the full maritime operational picture.
Vessel security assessment.
Comprehensive assessment of onboard IT and OT systems. We evaluate network architecture, access controls, system configurations, communication links, and physical security of critical hardware. Covers bridge, engine room, cargo, and crew network systems.
Penetration testing.
Controlled, authorized testing of vessel systems to identify exploitable vulnerabilities. We simulate real-world attack scenarios against ECDIS, AIS, GMDSS, network infrastructure, and remote access points.
Crew cybersecurity training.
Practical, role-based training for officers and crew. Covers phishing recognition, password hygiene, USB device policies, social engineering awareness, and incident reporting procedures. Available onboard or via remote delivery.
Incident response planning.
Development of vessel and shore-based incident response procedures. We define escalation paths, roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and recovery procedures for ransomware, data breach, GPS spoofing, and system compromise scenarios.
Sms integration.
We integrate cybersecurity policies, procedures, and documentation directly into your existing Safety Management System. This ensures compliance is embedded in your operational framework, not bolted on as a separate document.
Ongoing monitoring advisory.
Guidance on implementing continuous monitoring for vessel networks and shore-side systems. We advise on tool selection, alert configuration, log management, and periodic reassessment schedules.
The Maritime Cyber Threat
Modern vessels operate through interconnected bridge systems, engine-room OT, cargo platforms, crew networks, and satellite communications, creating operational exposure across every voyage.
Cyber incidents now carry operational, financial, regulatory, and safety consequences for owners and operators. At the same time, shipping remains uniquely exposed due to legacy onboard systems, remote connectivity, and globally distributed crews.
Today, cyber resilience is no longer viewed as a standalone IT issue, but as part of the vessel's operational and compliance framework.
IMO Cyber Compliance
IMO cyber requirements established cybersecurity as part of the vessel's Safety Management System and operational risk framework.
Optima Cyber approaches compliance as an operational requirement, focused on identifying vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience, and embedding practical cyber procedures across vessel and shore operations.
- Cyber Risk Assessment Assessment of onboard IT, OT, communications, and connected operational systems.
- Protective Controls & Monitoring Implementation of technical safeguards, monitoring capability, and detection procedures across vessel and shore infrastructure.
- Incident Response & Recovery Response planning, escalation procedures, backup resilience, and operational recovery protocols.
- SMS Integration & Training Integration of cybersecurity procedures within the Safety Management System, supported by crew and shore-side awareness training.
Our Approach
Optima Cyber follows a continuous three-phase cycle. Cybersecurity is not a one-time project. Threats evolve, systems change, and crews rotate. Our approach is designed to maintain your security posture over time.
- PHASE 1: ASSESS We evaluate the current state of your vessel and shore-side cyber posture. This includes technical system assessments, crew awareness evaluation, policy review, and gap analysis against IMO 2021 requirements and industry frameworks (NIST, BIMCO guidelines). Deliverable: Risk assessment and prioritised remediation plan.
- PHASE 2: REMEDIATE We implement the fixes. This includes system hardening, network segmentation recommendations, access control improvements, policy development, crew training delivery, incident response plan creation, and SMS documentation updates. Deliverable: Implemented controls and updated documentation.
- PHASE 3: MONITOR We establish ongoing review and reassessment procedures. This includes periodic vulnerability scanning guidance, annual reassessment scheduling, crew training refreshers, and incident response drill planning. Deliverable: Monitoring strategy and reassessment schedule.
Questions we answer, on every cyber engagement.
-
01 What is Optima Cyber?
Optima Cyber is the maritime cybersecurity division of Optima Shipping Services, providing integrated cyber risk assessment, monitoring, incident response, crew awareness training, and IMO cyber compliance support for shipowners and operators.
-
02 Do you cover both vessels and shore-side infrastructure?
Yes. Coverage spans the vessel (bridge systems, engine-room OT, communications, cargo platforms, crew networks) and the shore office (IT, remote access, third-party connections, and SMS integration).
-
03 How do you handle IMO cyber compliance?
We approach IMO cyber requirements as an operational discipline rather than a documentation exercise. Cyber risk is identified, mitigated, and embedded into the Safety Management System and day-to-day operational procedures.
-
04 Do you provide 24/7 monitoring and incident response?
Yes. Optima Cyber operates a 24/7 maritime SOC providing managed detection and response, incident escalation, and recovery coordination for vessels and shore-side infrastructure.
-
05 Can you train crews on cybersecurity practices?
Yes. Cyber awareness training is provided for crew and shore personnel, covering phishing, access management, cyber hygiene, reporting procedures, and operational response protocols, tailored to shipboard realities.
Let's lock the fleet down.
Learn More About Optima Cyber
For further information on Optima Cyber, visit optima-cyber.com or contact the desk directly.