Why should I use SOC as a Service to demonstrate compliance with MSC.428(98)?

Compliance with IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) requires maritime organisations to integrate cyber risk management into their Safety Management System (SMS). This involves continuous monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and risk management to protect critical IT and OT (Operational Technology) systems onboard ships and within port facilities. Implementing these capabilities can be complex and resource-intensive, which is why many maritime organisations turn to SOC (Security Operations Centre) as a Service.

A SOC as a Service (SOCaaS) offers 24/7 cybersecurity operations, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution for monitoring and responding to cyber threats. This article explains how SOC as a Service can help organisations demonstrate compliance with Resolution MSC.428(98), enhance security, and reduce regulatory risks.

1. Key Cyber Risk Management Requirements of MSC.428(98)

Resolution MSC.428(98) mandates that maritime organisations manage cyber risks by implementing the following measures:

1. Continuous Monitoring:
   Organisations must monitor IT and OT systems in real-time to detect potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

2. Incident Response and Recovery:
   Procedures must be in place to respond to cyber incidents, contain their impact, and restore operations quickly.

3. Risk Assessments:
   Regular risk assessments must be conducted to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and critical assets that require protection.

4. Governance and Accountability:
   Cyber risk management must be incorporated into the organisation's overall safety management framework and overseen by senior management.

2. What is SOC as a Service?

A Security Operations Centre (SOC) as a Service is a managed cybersecurity solution that provides round-the-clock monitoring, detection, and response to cyber threats. Instead of building and maintaining an in-house SOC, organisations can outsource these operations to a trusted third-party provider.

SOCaaS typically includes:

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Aggregation and analysis of security event data across networks, systems, and applications.

• Threat Intelligence: Real-time insights into emerging cyber threats and attack tactics.

• Incident Response: Expert support for detecting, investigating, and mitigating security incidents.

• Security Analysts: Skilled professionals who monitor security events, investigate alerts, and coordinate responses.

3. How SOC as a Service Supports MSC.428(98) Compliance

SOCaaS directly addresses the core requirements of Resolution MSC.428(98) by providing the tools, expertise, and continuous oversight needed to manage cyber risks effectively.

3.1. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection

Requirement:
Organisations must continuously monitor their networks and information systems to detect and prevent cyber threats.

How SOCaaS Supports Compliance:
A SOC as a Service provides 24/7 real-time monitoring of both IT and OT systems. The SOC uses advanced tools, such as SIEM and endpoint detection and response (EDR), to detect:

• Unauthorised access attempts.

• Suspicious activity on critical systems (e.g., engine controls, navigation systems).

• Indicators of compromise (IOCs), such as malware infections or data exfiltration attempts.

By continuously monitoring for threats, SOCaaS reduces the risk of undetected cyberattacks that could disrupt operations or compromise safety.

3.2. Incident Response and Recovery

Requirement:
Organisations must have procedures in place to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.

How SOCaaS Supports Compliance:
SOCaaS providers offer incident response services to help organisations handle security incidents effectively. Key capabilities include:

• Incident Investigation: SOC analysts quickly determine the nature, scope, and impact of an incident.

• Containment and Mitigation: Immediate steps are taken to isolate affected systems and prevent further damage.

• Incident Reporting: The SOC prepares detailed incident reports that meet regulatory requirements.

SOCaaS ensures that organisations can detect and respond to incidents within regulatory timeframes, reducing downtime and operational impact.

3.3. Cyber Risk Assessments

Requirement:
Organisations must regularly assess cyber risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures.

How SOCaaS Supports Compliance:
SOCaaS providers work with organisations to conduct ongoing risk assessments, including:

• Asset Identification: Identifying critical systems and data that require protection.

• Vulnerability Assessments: Scanning for security weaknesses in both IT and OT environments.

• Threat Analysis: Using threat intelligence to assess the likelihood and impact of cyber risks.

These assessments inform the organisation's risk management strategy, helping to prioritise security investments and remediation efforts.

3.4. Governance, Documentation, and Reporting

Requirement:
Organisations must maintain documentation of their cyber risk management activities and provide reports to demonstrate compliance.

How SOCaaS Supports Compliance:
SOCaaS providers generate detailed reports on security events, incidents, and risk assessments. These reports include:

• Logs of security events, including attempted attacks and successful mitigations.

• Incident response documentation, including timelines, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

• Compliance dashboards that summarise security posture and key metrics.

By maintaining thorough documentation, organisations can provide evidence of compliance during audits and inspections.

4. Benefits of Using SOC as a Service for Compliance

Implementing SOC as a Service offers several benefits beyond regulatory compliance, including enhanced security, cost efficiency, and scalability.

4.1. Improved Security Posture

SOCaaS provides continuous threat detection and response, helping organisations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. By outsourcing to experts, organisations gain access to advanced tools and capabilities that may be difficult to maintain in-house.

4.2. Faster Incident Detection and Response

With 24/7 monitoring and automated alerting, SOCaaS enables organisations to detect and respond to incidents in real-time. Rapid response reduces the impact of cyber incidents on safety and operations.

4.3. Cost Efficiency

Building and maintaining an in-house SOC can be expensive, requiring significant investment in technology, personnel, and infrastructure. SOCaaS offers a cost-effective alternative, allowing organisations to pay for only the services they need.

4.4. Expertise and Threat Intelligence

SOCaaS providers have access to global threat intelligence, enabling them to detect and mitigate emerging threats. Their teams of security analysts bring specialised expertise in both IT and OT environments.

4.5. Simplified Compliance Reporting

SOCaaS providers automate the collection and reporting of security data, simplifying the process of demonstrating compliance with IMO regulations. Automated reports reduce administrative overhead and improve audit readiness.

5. Choosing a SOC as a Service Provider

When selecting a SOCaaS provider, organisations should consider the following factors:

• Experience in the maritime sector: Ensure the provider understands the unique security challenges of maritime operations, including OT systems.

• Compliance expertise: Look for providers familiar with IMO regulations, such as Resolution MSC.428(98), as well as other relevant frameworks like NIS2 and GDPR.

• Customisable services: Choose a provider that can tailor services to meet your specific needs and risk profile.

• Threat intelligence capabilities: Ensure the provider has access to up-to-date threat intelligence and can integrate this into their monitoring and response efforts.

6. Conclusion

Compliance with IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) requires maritime organisations to implement robust cyber risk management practices, including continuous monitoring, incident response, and risk assessment. SOC as a Service offers a practical, scalable solution for meeting these requirements while enhancing overall security and operational resilience. By leveraging the expertise and capabilities of a SOCaaS provider, organisations can reduce cyber risks, improve compliance, and maintain trust with regulators and stakeholders.

For more information on how SOC as a Service can support your compliance efforts, contact our cybersecurity specialists today.