VDR is a shorthand for voyage data recorder, and is a black box for maritime use. The system consists of an internal hard drive that stores information gathered from sensors and bridge equipment. This unit is attached to a protective capsule that can be fixed or float-free and designed to withstand fire, deep sea pressure as well as penetration and shock. The device is typically fitted to a ship, and the capsule is positioned in a convenient location for fast retrieval in case of a marine accident.
The current security standards for vdr systems have specifications to ensure that the device is easily accessed and returned by investigators following a maritime incident. These standards can introduce security holes that allow an attacker to manipulate the device or destroy or alter evidence. This article shows how these risks can be reduced, without compromising the device’s functionality or restricting access to critical information about accidents.
The attacks described in this piece illustrate the fact that a large number of VDRs utilize generic interfaces, such as USBs for downloads and updates. These interfaces expose devices to a variety of threats that can be exploited with widely available tools. The solution is to secure the device by using specific private interfaces will reduce the chance that these kinds of attacks click to investigate could be repurposed. In addition, requiring a key or another secure measure to gain access to the ports would restrict their access and also provide additional security.
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