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.

Phase: Protect (Step 02)
IEC 62443-3-3 Aligned
01
Identify
02
Protect
Hardening & Segmentation
03
Detect
04
Respond
05
Recover
Segmentation Blueprint: Zone & Conduit Enforcement

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)

PILLAR A

Network Control

Implementing boundaries between IT and OT as mandated by UR E26 §4.2.

PILLAR B

Access & Identity

Standards for MFA, RBAC, and secure vendor pipelines for critical systems.

PILLAR C

Endpoint Hardening

Securing physical assets and locking down OS services on legacy hardware.

PILLAR D

Software & Data Integrity

Ensuring code and firmware remains untampered with and properly versioned.

PILLAR E

Environmental & Power

Ensuring the physical “Secure Space” and power continuity for critical OT security infrastructure.

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.

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