New collaboration aims strengthen maritime cyber incident investigations
South Korean companies CYTUR and PLAINBIT have signed an agreement to develop specialized cyber incident investigation and response capabilities for vessels and maritime infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on November 11, 2026, brings together CYTUR’s maritime cybersecurity expertise and PLAINBIT’s digital forensics and incident response capabilities. The collaboration aims to establish investigation procedures tailored to the operational characteristics of ships and maritime systems.
As vessels become increasingly connected to shore-based networks, cyber incidents can affect both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, including navigation, machinery and communications equipment. Investigating such incidents requires specialized procedures for identifying compromised systems, preserving digital evidence and determining the causes of security breaches.
Under the agreement, CYTUR will provide maritime cyber risk assessments and technical support for vessel OT security. The company will also use its CYTUR-MG cyber resilience management platform to support investigations through onboard asset information, security event records and risk assessment data.
PLAINBIT will contribute its expertise in digital evidence collection, forensic analysis, incident investigation and assessments of compromised shore-based IT systems.
Key areas of cooperation
The companies plan to cooperate in several areas:
- Maritime cyber incident investigations: Develop specialized investigation procedures for cyberattacks affecting vessels and maritime infrastructure.
- Digital evidence preservation: Establish guidelines for collecting and preserving digital evidence from shipboard systems.
- Standardized reporting: Develop investigation report templates to support consistent incident analysis and documentation.
- Incident response services: Explore retainer-based arrangements to provide shipping companies with access to specialized cyber incident response capabilities.
- Practical testing and training: Conduct joint cyber response exercises and explore pilot projects aboard operational vessels.
The partnership will also support the development of services connecting cybersecurity assessments, digital investigations and maritime cyber insurance.
In October 2026, CYTUR signed a separate agreement with Hanwha General Insurance to develop maritime cyber insurance services integrating vessel cybersecurity assessments, incident investigations and insurance coverage.
The new collaboration with PLAINBIT is expected to strengthen the technical investigation capabilities supporting this approach, particularly in identifying the causes and extent of cyber incidents and producing evidence for insurance-related assessments.
The agreement comes amid growing attention to maritime cyber resilience. A recent Marshall Islands security advisory highlighted the importance of preserving digital evidence following suspected cyberattacks, warning that resetting or reconfiguring affected systems can destroy information needed for forensic investigations.
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