With more technically advanced, integrated and “connected” boats, security becomes a major concern on NMEA 2000 networks. Recent high profile automotive hacks have highlighted security weaknesses in some CAN based systems.
The NMEA Organisation have responded to this threat by establishing a Cyber Security Working Group to identify and mitigate the risks of maritime attacks. NET Protect is the World’s first cyber security product, focused on NMEA 2000, to be developed as part of this NMEA initiative and Digital Yacht have now added Garmin OneHelm connectivity so Garmin MFD users can constantly monitor their onboard NMEA 2000 network and receive alerts of any inconsistencies. It also has valuable tools for the installer for configuration and diagnostics.
NET Protect is a self-contained, bus powered, unobtrusive black box that receives and analyses all NMEA 2000 network data. It has three key functions – to test and validate the NMEA 2000 network during installation, tools for NMEA 2000 configuration and network monitoring/analysis and then on-going, 24/7 monitoring and protection for the life of the vessel. Data can be accessed via any mobile device as it incorporates a wireless web interface and now also on your boat’s helm through a Garmin MFD.
NET Protect carries out device certification, network topography and general tests including looking for duplicate PGNs, device instances, devices outputting no data and gateway validation. Even device names and firmware version are recorded. At a physical level, LEN (the bus load) is calculated for all devices on the network.
Once the installation tests are complete and the installer is happy with network performance, the CANshot option is run. This “snapshots” the network and stores the results internally. This report can also be saved and printed – useful for future diagnostics and also insurance purposes.
NET Protect then enters 24/7 monitor mode and will alert audibly and also store alerts in an event log for analysis. If connected to a Digital Yacht 4GX or 5GX system, optional SMS alerts can be enabled for remote monitoring. Alerts pop up on a Garmin connected device and the OneHelm interface allows access to the Net Protect GUI.
NET Protect is priced at £250/€330 ex VAT and is available now. Existing NET Protect users can add OneHelm compatibility with an easy and free software upgrade. More information on Digital Yacht websites
