DS Lab Company leading cybersecurity technology in the shipbuilding and maritime industry
As global defense and IT companies such as Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Rolls-Royce—along with the shipbuilding and maritime industry—are focusing on the development of unmanned vessels, smart ships, and autonomous vessel technologies, DS Lab Company, a startup researching core cybersecurity technologies for maritime mobile platforms, is drawing significant attention.
On October 21, DS Lab Company held a ‘Cyber Turtle Ship’ project workshop at Korea University, which was attended by officials from various related organizations including Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, and the Korea Coast Guard, reflecting strong interest in the field.
DS Lab Company has been selected as a research institution for the ‘Maritime Industry Demand-Driven Technology Development Project’ organized by the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST) under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and is collaborating with Korea University’s Graduate School of Information Security. Together with DSME, SECUI, and Piolink, the company is developing a ‘Maritime Cyber Threat Intelligence System,’ which is recognized as an innovative technology for strengthening the security of smart ships and autonomous vessels.
Cho Yong-hyun, CEO of DS Lab Company, explained, “Most recently built vessels are equipped with ICT-based systems, and approximately 93% of them are connected to the internet. This connectivity has increased the risk of cyberattacks, and research shows that cyberattacks targeting maritime systems have surged by over 900% in the past three years.” He further emphasized, “A vessel is both a maritime mobile platform and a production facility that refines oil and gas, while a warship serves as both a weapon system and an independent operational unit. Given these unique characteristics, cybersecurity specifically tailored to vessels is absolutely essential.”
CEO Cho earned his Ph.D. in Engineering from Korea University’s Graduate School of Information Security with a focus on ‘Ship Cybersecurity,’ and continues to present research findings in academic papers and international conferences. Notably, at the ‘6th Asia-Pacific Maritime Digital International Conference’ organized by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries last September, he delivered a presentation on the ‘Cyber Turtle Ship’ project and the importance of ship cybersecurity to attendees from major international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), receiving an enthusiastic response.
Additionally, CEO Cho is a former investigator of the Military Cyber Crime Investigation Unit and previously served as an advisory committee member for the National Police Agency. He currently serves as an advisory committee member for the Korea Coast Guard. He is also contributing to the development of maritime cybercrime prevention and investigation techniques targeting Korean-flagged shipping companies and vessels. DS Lab Company plans to continue its active engagement in the global market and establish itself as a frontrunner in maritime cybersecurity technology.
Source: www.dailian.co.kr