Required Documents for IACS UR E27 Compliance (ClassNK) – Essential Elements

 Required Documents for IACS UR E27 Compliance (ClassNK) – Essential Elements


📌 This guide outlines the 10 essential documents suppliers must submit under ClassNK guidelines for IACS UR E27 compliance.

📌 Each document includes the key elements that must be included for approval.



📌 1️⃣ Computer-Based System Asset Inventory

📍 Purpose: Provides a list of all computer-based systems (CBS) supplied, detailing security functions and asset classification.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Hardware asset list: Servers, network devices, controllers, sensors, etc.
  • Software asset list: Operating systems, firmware, applications.
  • IP and network configuration details: Network interfaces, MAC addresses, subnets.
  • System role and location mapping: Onboard system placement and function.
  • Security classification: Asset importance and required security level.

📌 2️⃣ Topology Diagram

📍 Purpose: Visually represents IT/OT network connections and security zones.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • IT/OT system connectivity diagram: Internal and external network relationships.
  • Network security devices (Firewall, IDS/IPS) placement: Positioning and functions.
  • External network and remote access pathways: Ship-to-shore connections.
  • Security zones and data flow analysis: Communication pathways between systems.

📌 3️⃣ Description of Security Capabilities

📍 Purpose: Details the security functions of the supplied system, including encryption, authentication, and access control.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • User authentication and access control: RBAC, MFA implementations.
  • Network security features: Firewalls, intrusion detection (IDS), VPN capabilities.
  • Data encryption mechanisms: TLS, AES, Secure Boot implementation.
  • Logging and audit functions: Event logging and monitoring capabilities.
  • Vulnerability management: CVE patching and security update policies.

📌 4️⃣ Security Configuration Guidelines

📍 Purpose: Provides recommended security settings to optimize protection in an onboard environment.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Default security configuration recommendations: Password policies, access control settings.
  • Firewall and IDS configuration guidelines: Security appliance setup.
  • Software and firmware update procedures: Secure patching and maintenance.
  • Logging and event monitoring activation steps: Detecting and responding to anomalies.

📌 5️⃣ Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Documentation

📍 Purpose: Ensures the system follows a secure development process with built-in cybersecurity.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Security requirements analysis: Identifying cybersecurity needs from the start.
  • Secure coding principles compliance: OWASP Secure Coding Practices, IEC 62443-4-1 adherence.
  • Vulnerability assessment and risk evaluation: Identifying and mitigating risks in development.
  • Software security testing results: Static and dynamic code analysis.

📌 6️⃣ Test Procedure for Security Capabilities

📍 Purpose: Defines how security features will be tested and validated before deployment.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Security function test items and methods: Encryption, authentication, access control validation.
  • Testing environment and tools description: Equipment and software used in security tests.
  • Testing procedures and expected results: Step-by-step testing process with anticipated outcomes.
  • Test criteria and pass/fail conditions: Defining acceptable security performance thresholds.

📌 7️⃣ Test Reports

📍 Purpose: Documents the results of security testing, verifying system resilience.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Test execution date and environment: Details of the testing setup.
  • Tested system version and specifications: Hardware/software details.
  • Test scenarios and result analysis: Expected vs. actual results.
  • Identified security vulnerabilities and countermeasures: Detected risks and mitigation actions.

📌 8️⃣ Management of Change Plan (MoC)

📍 Purpose: Defines procedures for handling system modifications without compromising security.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Security impact assessment of changes: Analyzing cybersecurity risks introduced by modifications.
  • Change approval and authorization process: Documented review and sign-off procedures.
  • Testing and verification steps: Ensuring system security post-change.
  • Backup and rollback procedures: Recovery plan in case of implementation failure.

📌 9️⃣ Management of Software Updates

📍 Purpose: Ensures that software updates and patches are securely distributed and applied.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Update distribution methods: Online/offline patching support.
  • Digital signature and integrity verification: Authenticity validation for updates.
  • Recovery procedures in case of update failure: Rollback and restore processes.
  • Post-update security verification process: Validating security compliance after an update.

📌 🔟 Information Supporting Incident Response and Recovery Plans

📍 Purpose: Outlines procedures and supporting data for cybersecurity incident handling.

✅ Essential Elements:

  • Cyberattack detection and alerting mechanisms: How anomalies are detected and reported.
  • Incident response workflow and personnel roles: Who does what in an attack scenario.
  • Data backup and recovery methodology: Ensuring system integrity post-incident.
  • Reporting process to classification societies and shipowners: Formal reporting structure.

🚢 Conclusion: Why Should Suppliers Prepare These 10 Documents?

🔹 Failure to comply with IACS UR E27 can result in certification denial and contract rejections.
🔹 Incomplete cybersecurity documentation can lead to delayed approvals and deployment issues.
🔹 IMO and classification society (ClassNK, DNV, ABS, etc.) guidelines are continuously evolving, requiring proactive cybersecurity measures.
🔹 Suppliers must prepare these documents to demonstrate security compliance and maintain industry competitiveness.

✅ By preparing these 10 documents, suppliers ensure compliance with IACS UR E27, enhance product security, and maintain a strong position in the maritime industry. 🚢🔒

📌 Need templates, checklists, or sample formats for these documents? Let me know how we can assist! 😊

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