Crossword's Rizikon platform selected for new maritime certification

Crossword Cybersecurity announced on Wednesday that the IASME Consortium - a UK government ‘Cyber Essentials Partner’ - had selected Rizikon Assurance as the core platform to support a new maritime security certification.

The AIM-traded firm said IASME was scaling its portfolio to include a new “maritime cyber baseline” scheme.

It said the scheme would provide an “affordable and practical” way for shipping operators and vessel owners to improve their cybersecurity, to reduce the likelihood of a cyber-attack disrupting their day-to-day operations.

The scheme was being supported by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), and would enable a path to compliance with the IMO Maritime Cyber Risk Management guidelines.

Crossword said the scheme would be open to vessels of all sizes and classifications, including yachts, commercial, passenger ships and merchant vessels.

The maritime cyber baseline would give confidence to supply chain partners, passengers, flag and port authorities that a vessel had the suitable cyber security controls and processes in place, it explained.

Additionally, operators could demonstrate compliance through a digital certificate that could be displayed on vessels and in business communications.

IASME had identified Rizikon Assurance, Crossword's secure third-party assurance platform, as the solution to deliver the new baseline at scale, supporting its certification bodies and prospective certified customers alike.

“We are delighted to be further strengthening our partnership with IASME in an area of cyber security that needs standardisation, and with this maritime cyber baseline it is an excellent opportunity for operators to start driving up cyber maturity,” said chief executive officer Tom Ilube.

“We are looking forward to working with IASME once again off the back of our successful relationship to date.”

At 0813 GMT, shares in Crossword Cybersecurity were up 2.17% at 35.25p.