A I S - What About Security?

[Lighthouse]

Someone is collecting AIS information and is plotting vessels' positions on a GoogleMap in realtime.

I don't know how long it will take to take down the website - we all know who would love to have this information.

There is a huge security breach if this information can be collected in this way.

LINK

[svtadpole]

I cannot understand the paranoia regarding web-posting of AIS-equipped vessels worldwide ... AIS positioning has never been considered a security risk ... anyone can buy an AIS setup reasonably cheaply ... they can even be installed in quite small craft & the information is able to be displayed on any onboard laptop

The link in the previous post shows AIS positions in a chart of the Iberian Peninsula

Here is a link to AIS positions for UK ... http://aisliverpool.co.uk

[Lighthouse]

Am I missing something here. May I invite you to transit the Gulf of Aden with your AIS unit switched on?

Sorry, I don't understand. Help me out please.

[Nausikaa]

There is no security breech as the system was not designed to be secure but to spread information on vessel's positions to increase safety. This it does and I have never heard of any instance where it has compromised safety.

The information released in the public domain is restricted to the vessel's name and IMO number. In the operator's domain there is a host of other information such as vessel's size, course and speed, destination, cargo etc.

The AIS transponder on board yachts, where it is not compulsory, can always be turned off if it is felt that the information being sent can be used by others for illegal reasons

Aye // Stephen

[Lighthouse]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

The information released in the public domain is restricted to the vessel's name and IMO number. In the operator's domain there is a host of other information such as vessel's size, course and speed, destination, cargo etc.

In the first link, if you click on a vessel's icon, I think it gives current position, speed, heading, etc., (I don't understand Spanish so I'm not certain).

The AIS transponder on board yachts, where it is not compulsory, can always be turned off if it is felt that the information being sent can be used by others for illegal reasons

Aye // Stephen

Thanks for the explanation.

[Nausikaa]

Originally Posted by Lighthouse

In the first link, if you click on a vessel's icon, I think it gives current position, speed, heading, etc., (I don't understand Spanish so I'm not certain).

You are right. Normally that information would not be on an open website. Also, again normally, there is a time delay of several hours before being displayed on an open website.

I will try to find out more

// Stephen

[Auspicious]

There are many many sites showing AIS information, and an informal network among hobbyists of people with receivers sharing information to build world views.

I believe that even commercial ships required to carry AIS A can shut down in high threat areas.

As noted above, sharing over the Internet isn't anymore of a threat than the initial broadcast.

[Frank]

Some thoughts..

Any young Somali with an eye to financial security in his old age can set up a real time AIS receiver on his runabout for a very small investment. He doesn't need the inet.

Anyone with a few bob to spare can subscribe to a service such as that provided by Lloyds List and get all the real time AIS they want.

Ships can and do switch off their AIS if they think it might be a good idea to do so ... navy ships rarely have their AIS switched on.

The way the world economy is going I am seriously thinking of moving to Somalia and setting up as a financial advisor/AIS consultant..

[Nausikaa]

Originally Posted by Frank

The way the world economy is going I am seriously thinking of moving to Somalia and setting up as a financial advisor/AIS consultant..

The way the world's economy is going, there will not be merchant ships with valuable cargoes to target

Aye // Stephen