DNV strengthens maritime cyber security with acquisition of CyberOwl
Aaron Blutstein 25 September 2024 
DNV, the independent assurance and risk management provider, has acquired CyberOwl, a global specialist in cyber risk monitoring and threat management for maritime vessels. This strategic acquisition is set to bolster the shipping industry’s cyber defences by forming one of the world’s largest providers of maritime cyber security expertise.
The acquisition comes at a critical time for the maritime sector, as it grapples with increasing regulatory demands and the growing need for robust incident detection, response, and recovery capabilities. The expanding use of digitally connected systems onboard ships has introduced new vulnerabilities, with a typical fleet of 30 cargo vessels now facing an average of 80 cyber incidents annually.
Commenting on the acquisition, Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV, highlighted the importance of digital transformation within the industry. “Digital technologies must continue to scale for a safer, more efficient, and greener maritime industry. However, the full benefits of digitalisation and automation can only be realised with a strong foundation in cyber security. That’s why DNV has made cyber security a central pillar of its growth strategy. Together with CyberOwl, we aim to reduce cyber risks and enhance compliance across the maritime supply chain, offering services that address every stage of a vessel’s lifecycle.”
The partnership coincides with new, stricter regulatory requirements from the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), which this year introduced unified standards for governing, identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents. This builds on existing International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, which require vessel owners, operators, and managers to implement comprehensive cyber security management systems. Despite these requirements, only 56% of maritime professionals report confidence in their ability to meet regulatory obligations.
CyberOwl’s role in this partnership will be pivotal. The company’s Medulla platform, along with its managed security services, provides real-time analytics to help vessel operators monitor and manage cyber threats, while also ensuring regulatory compliance. The platform assists hundreds of vessel owners and operators by maintaining asset inventories, monitoring escalating cyber risks, tracking insecure crew behaviour, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing security controls.
Daniel Ng, CEO of CyberOwl, emphasised the significance of this collaboration: “DNV and CyberOwl share a mission to help the shipping industry enhance its cyber security posture by combining our expertise in threat monitoring and incident management with DNV’s deep-rooted knowledge of the industry’s technical and operational challenges. DNV’s 160-year maritime heritage, coupled with its growing cyber security services, creates a powerful force in advancing safety, sustainability, and resilience in the sector.”
The acquisition significantly enhances DNV’s maritime cyber security and emergency response services. It positions DNV and CyberOwl as one of the largest specialists in maritime cyber security, with a presence in major global shipping hubs such as Oslo, London, Singapore, Hamburg, and Piraeus. CyberOwl will also collaborate with DNV’s extensive network of 3,500 maritime risk experts and 500 cyber security specialists, offering comprehensive solutions to safeguard both IT and industrial control systems within the maritime industry.
This acquisition marks the latest step in DNV’s broader cyber security growth strategy. Earlier this year, DNV launched DNV Cyber, one of Europe’s fastest-growing cyber security services, through the merger of its existing cyber security division with two recently acquired firms, Nixu and Applied Risk.
Despite the acquisition, CyberOwl will continue to operate independently of DNV’s ship classification business, maintaining its focus on providing cutting-edge cyber security solutions for the maritime industry.
Pictured: Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV
