What is ROAM?

ROAM is a small box that provides a secure remote internet connection to allow Sonardyne engineers access to the vessel’s systems.

It is usually used for remotely connecting to an offshore system or network that would normally be too risky to connect online. The link is provided via the vessel’s satellite connection or a local mobile telephone network, when in range.

Typically, critical vessel systems, such as acoustic positioning systems, would not be connected to the internet as it can be difficult to manage system updates, and there is a risk that uncontrolled updates to the operating system or antivirus software may impact on the navigation software. That in turn could impact on the vessel’s operations. Not updating these can leave the systems vulnerable to viruses or the ever-increasing risk of being hacked. So, there is a catch 22, with the choices being a lack of change control, versus being hacked, picking up a virus or being held to ransom by malware. Malware attacks have in recent times grounded whole fleets of vessels.

To overcome this, ROAM contains a hardware firewall and VPN (Virtual Private Network), which allows the system to be connected to the outside world, without being online in the conventional sense. The firewall prevents access directly from the internet, keeping hackers and viruses at bay, while the VPN provides a secure tunnel through the firewall to a Sonardyne engineer. This single box solution allows our engineers to view or control the PC while reducing the risks normally associated with being online.

As a result, ROAM will allow Sonardyne engineers secure access to our systems on vessels to enable us to provide software or firmware updates, monitor or control operations remotely, or provide first hand system set-ups and health checks.

Contact support@sonardyne.com for more information.