German communications management firm SnakeWays has announced the release of version 2.0 of its service, adding new capabilities for cyber protection and remote access to vessel networks.
The new SnakeWall system provides a shipboard firewall that deploys AI techniques to control connectivity, while SnakeDoor offers a cloud-based tool that supports remote access to the IT systems on the ship for management and optimisation.
Both new modules are hosted in the cloud and on the company’s shipboard SnakeBox hardware. Each can be used as a standalone or be combined with the firm’s existing modules, such as SnakeMail and SnakeSwitch.
SnakeWall can integrate with SnakeSwitch to allow each WAN/LAN combination on board the vessel to have its own individual firewall rules. For example, the required rules for crew communications over LTE/4G can be differentiated from M2M connectivity over a backup L-band network to reflect corporate usage priorities and cost profiles.
SnakeWall employs machine learning techniques to identify, monitor and control access to any shipboard internet connection. IT support staff or the ship’s crew can identify the domain name of requested services and indicate whether they want it enabled or want it blocked. From that point on the system will dynamically adjust the firewall rules as required.
“This release is a significant stride forward in the development of the SnakeWays portfolio,” said Gregor Ross, CCO of SnakeWays.
“These two ground-breaking services have been developed not just on the back of the SnakeWays team’s experience but on current feedback from our end customers and our global distribution partners in particular. They significantly broaden the addressable market for the SnakeWays services, and we look forward to them contributing strongly to SnakeWays’ growth as we enter our second year of operation.”
