{"id":25136,"date":"2025-05-09T15:50:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T07:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.robustel.com\/?p=25136"},"modified":"2025-06-03T11:59:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T03:59:28","slug":"maritime-vdr-cybersecurity-iec61162-460","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.robustel.com\/au\/marine\/maritime-vdr-cybersecurity-iec61162-460\/","title":{"rendered":"Securing Maritime\u2019s Black Box: How Robustel\u2019s MG460 Gateway Protects Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t\t\t\t\n
Background:<\/strong><\/p>\n Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs) are the maritime equivalent of an aircraft’s black box, capturing critical data such as navigation logs, voice communications, and sensor inputs. Required under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 20<\/b>, VDR systems play a vital role in incident investigations, operational diagnostics, and safety audits.<\/p>\n Learn more via the IMO’s official guidance on Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs)<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As vessels become more digitally connected, however, the cybersecurity risks facing VDR systems<\/b> are escalating. Unsecured interfaces and network access points can expose these systems to data breaches, tampering, or unauthorized remote access – all of which compromise the integrity of recorded voyage data.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Challenge: Securing VDR Systems in a Connected Maritime Environment<\/b><\/p>\n Modern VDRs often interface with broader vessel IT networks or require remote diagnostics. While essential for efficiency, these connections introduce new attack surfaces. Without proper safeguards aligned to IEC 61162-460<\/b> and IACS UR E26 and E27<\/b>, even routine integration or remote support can put critical voyage data at risk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Robustel’s MG460 Gateway (also available as a wireless model) is a purpose-built IEC 61162-460 cybersecurity gateway for maritime Operational Technology (OT). Designed to protect onboard equipment like VDRs from cyber threats, it offers marine-certified, DNV-approved network protection that aligns with IEC 60945 environmental standards and 460 network compliance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How does the MG460 Gateway Secure VDR Systems?<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether securing legacy Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs) or modern full-featured VDR systems, the MG460 Gateway provides a scalable, standards-compliant solution. Older vessels built before July 2002 may operate S-VDRs that lack integrated cybersecurity features, while newer vessels still require a secure gateway to protect sensitive operational data and enable safe remote access.<\/p>\n By deploying the MG460 Gateway between the VDR and any network interface, vessel operators can:<\/strong><\/p>\n While protecting VDRs is a regulatory requirement, integrating the MG460 Gateway into your solution architecture offers real-world operational value:<\/p>\n In today’s maritime environment, Voyage Data Recorder cybersecurity is mission-critical. The Robustel MG460 Gateway offers an IEC 61162-460-compliant, DNV-certified solution designed specifically to protect these vital systems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whether you manufacture VDRs or integrate them into bridge systems, the MG460 is a plug-and-secure gateway that ensures the integrity, security, and compliance of your data capture infrastructure.<\/p>\n\t As the world’s first product to receive IEC61162-460 (Ed. 3) type approval from DNV as well as 460-Gateway and 460-Wireless Gateway, the MG460 Gateway not only meets the highest cybersecurity standards for maritime navigation and wireless communication systems but also complies with IEC60945, meeting SOLAS vessel standards.<\/p>\n\t Through RCMS Stack Marine, users can monitor the operational status and network connectivity of devices in real time, enabling timely problem identification and resolution. Furthermore, it provides VPN network services that comply with IEC61162-460 standards (direct communication mode), ensuring the security and integrity of data transmission.<\/p>\n\t Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings<\/strong><\/p>\n Reduces the need for manual data handling and increases the accuracy of compliance reporting, lowering operational costs and enhancing effectiveness of decision-making processes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Regulatory Compliance<\/strong><\/p>\nDesigned specifically for maritime applications and fully compliant with IEC61162- Improved Data Security and Integrity<\/strong><\/p>\n Provides a fortified cybersecurity environment that ensures the authenticity and accuracy of operational data in accordance with the IACS UR E26 & E27 regulations.<\/p>\n\t Want to speak to one of our IoT experts to find out how Robustel can help you build your solution?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact Us\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Protect Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs) from cyber threats with Robustel\u2019s MG460 Gateway \u2014 IEC 61162-460 compliant and IACS UR E26\/E27 certified for securing maritime systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":25139,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[250],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marine"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\t
Introducing the MG460 Gateway – A IEC61162-460 Compliant Maritime Solution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t
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\nThe MG460 goes beyond basic firewalls-it understands maritime-specific protocols (NMEA, IEC 61162) and inspects them in real time.<\/li>\n
\nA secure DMZ zone acts as a controlled buffer between external access points and the VDR system-allowing safe file transfers.<\/li>\n
\nWith 5 independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, each with its own firewall configuration, the MG460 Gateway allows complete VDR network isolation.<\/li>\n
\nIncludes dual configurable serial ports (RS232\/RS422\/RS485) to secure legacy equipment without expensive retrofits.<\/li>\n
\nAll access attempts and traffic patterns are logged locally with microSD storage, ensuring full auditability.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\tSolution Architecture
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Real-World Scenario: Securing Both Legacy and New VDR Installations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t
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Go Beyond Compliance: Business and Operational Advantages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t
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Protecting Maritime’s Most Valuable Data<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t
Solution Components
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MG460 Gateway<\/h3>\n
Device & Network Management Platform<\/h3>\n
Solution Benefits
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\n460 and IEC60945 standards\n\t\t\t\t\n\t