Shipboard NMEA Penetration Testing for Secure CBS Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of specific penetration test methods for shipboard networks, which are unique and require consideration of distinct ship characteristics, and existing methods do not adequately protect critical systems from cyberattacks.

Innovation Solution

A shipboard NMEA protocol-based penetration test method and apparatus that performs packet capture and analysis to confirm NMEA communication, selects attack methods, generates and transmits attack data, and analyzes results, while an authentication method uses GPS and beacon management to control CBS access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If land-based penetration test methods are used for ships, then ICT and OT system security can be tested, but the specific characteristics of ship networks (NMEA protocol, marine communication systems) are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to ship network characteristicsVSAvoidcomplexity of penetration test method
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The penetration test method is segmented into distinct phases: network connection, NMEA communication confirmation through packet capture and analysis, attack method selection, attack data generation, and result analysis. This segmentation allows the system to systematically address ship-specific characteristics while maintaining manageable test complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary NMEA communication confirmation by capturing and analyzing packets before executing penetration attacks. This preliminary action identifies NMEA-specific protocols and characteristics, enabling the subsequent attack phase to be tailored to the actual ship network environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If only ID and password authentication is used for CBS access, then simple authentication is provided, but security against compromised credentials and remote attacks is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of access controlVSAvoidcomplexity of authentication system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces multiple intermediary authentication mechanisms between the CBS and the control system: location verification through GPS/beacon triangulation, device identification through device information exchange, and network protocol validation. These intermediaries add security layers without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication checks before allowing CBS access: verifying device information, confirming location through beacon triangulation or GPS, and validating credentials. Only after these preliminary actions succeed is the CBS granted access to the control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4723551A1Ship NMEA protocol-based penetration test method and apparatus, and method and apparatus for controlling connection of CBS inside ship
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 HANWHA OCEAN CO LTD (KR)
  • EP4723551A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4723551A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4723551A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a shipboard NMEA protocol-based penetration test method and apparatus and a method and apparatus for controlling access by a CBS in a ship. The NMEA protocol-based penetration test method and apparatus according to the present invention can perform simple and rapid NMEA protocol penetration test on a ship in consideration of distinct characteristics of a ship.