Protect: Network Hardening & Segmentation
IACS UR E26 Control 4.2: Network Zoning & Conduit Enforcement
Building the maritime digital fortress. This phase implements the technical safeguards identified in the CSDD. From air-gapping administrative systems to enforcing deep-packet inspection on engine room conduits, these playbooks define the hardening standards for modern vessels.
Successful protection relies on the “Purdue Model” adapted for maritime use. We define Zones (groups of assets with similar security needs) and Conduits (controlled pathways for data). This model prevents a breach on the Crew Wi-Fi from reaching the Navigation Bridge.
Reference: IACS UR E26 Segmentation Architecture (Category I, II, III Isolation)
Network Control
Implementing physical and logical boundaries between IT and OT. Focuses on Zone separation as mandated by UR E26 §4.2.
Access & Identity
Managing interaction with Critical Base Systems. Standards for MFA and secure vendor pipelines.
Endpoint Hardening
Securing individual assets and creating buffer zones to protect legacy OT hardware.
Technical Audit Tip:
Per your 3-Zone model, surveyors expect to see Physical Isolation or 802.1Q VLAN Tagging. Be prepared to show your Firewall ACL list to prove there are no “Any/Any” rules between the Bridge and Crew networks.