Rakuten Symphony Launches Comprehensive Maritime Cybersecurity Service, “Rakuten Maritime”

-      Pioneering lifecycle-based cybersecurity solutions for the global shipbuilding industry

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Tokyo, December 20, 2024 – Rakuten Symphony has officially announced its entry into the maritime cybersecurity industry with the launch of Rakuten Maritime, a comprehensive enterprise service addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity and digital transformation in the sector worldwide.

Rakuten Maritime offers industry-leading technologies to safeguard autonomous vessels and smart ships. As global shipping companies and shipowners accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies and develop smart ships, cyberattacks targeting these vessels have also risen. This trend has made maritime cybersecurity an essential component of the industry.

The unique nature of maritime operations requires security measures tailored to the design, commissioning and operational phases of ships — differentiating them from traditional land-based systems. Rakuten Maritime addresses these needs with a lifecycle-based cybersecurity framework incorporating five key pillars: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. This comprehensive approach strengthens vessel security and supports safe operational environments.

Collaboration with CYTUR: The birth of Rakuten Maritime

Rakuten Maritime is a branded service developed in collaboration with CYTUR, a South Korean cybersecurity startup. Established in 2016, CYTUR specializes in cybersecurity technologies and threat analysis for smart ships and autonomous vessels.

CYTUR has partnered with key maritime organizations, major shipyards and government agencies in South Korea to lead global maritime cybersecurity innovation. In collaboration with CYTUR, Rakuten Symphony has launched Rakuten Maritime to support digital transformation in the maritime sector^*1.

The service is designed in compliance with the Unified Requirements on Cyber Resilience (URE26, E27) established by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), a non-government organization that provides classification and statutory certification services for the international shipping industry. These requirements, which apply to new shipbuilding contracts signed after July 1, 2024, make cybersecurity a mandatory standard for modern ships.

A full lineup of solutions supporting smart ship development

Rakuten Maritime integrates IoT, cloud, mobile networks and zero-trust-based cybersecurity technologies to deliver end-to-end solutions spanning the design and operational phases of ships.

Notably, it includes tools such as Threat Modeler (TM), Threat Intelligence (TI), Threat Analysis (TA) and Risk Manager(RM) to fulfill the following functions:

• IoT Integration: Effective management and integration of IoT devices onboard to support smart ship development. This includes collecting, analyzing and leveraging sensor data to enhance operational efficiency.
• Cloud-Based Data Management: Secure data transmission and storage between ship and shore, enabling real-time data accessibility and collaboration through a cloud platform.‍
• Cyber Threat Prevention: Proactive defense systems to identify and block threats in the maritime industry in real time and to provide information on ransomware and phishing attacks.‍
• Compliance with International Security Standards: Ensures adherence to IACS UR E26, E27, and other global cybersecurity regulations from the design phase through real-time monitoring.
• Operational Efficiency Optimization: Reduces time, costs and human resources required for vessel operation and security management while maximizing resilience.

Rakuten Maritime also offers a comprehensive suite of technologies for smart ship development. From ship design and data management to security monitoring and proactive measures, the service delivers unparalleled stability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Notably, Rakuten Maritime has achieved a 400% improvement in cyber risk analysis and an 83% reduction^*2 in resources required for security design compared to legacy systems. These advancements help clients reduce shipbuilding time, lower costs and enhance security, establishing Rakuten Maritime as a ground-breaking example of lifecycle-based cybersecurity technology in the maritime industry.

Ryan Son, President of Rakuten Symphony’s Internet Services Business Unit, said: "I am thrilled to announce the launch of Rakuten Maritime. Cybersecurity is now a mandatory requirement for vessels since the implementation of IACS’s new regulations, and while many countries and companies are pursuing the digital transformation of ships, the market still lacks comprehensive security solutions that meet international standards. Rakuten Maritime aims to set a new benchmark by revolutionizing smart ship development and enhancing maritime cybersecurity."

Visit the Rakuten Maritime official site for further details.

Rakuten Maritime is poised to set new standards for the maritime industry by creating a secure environment that fulfills both digital transformation and security demands.