56 · MT 2/2022 Homeland Security Forum perimeter and buildings, the data hall, meet-me rooms, people, supply chain, and cyber. “Operators and users of data centres have a clear responsibility to protect the data that they hold and process – failing to do this poses a massive financial, reputational and, in some cases, national security risk,” said NCSC Technical Director, Dr Ian Levy, in a public statement from the two entities. “Owning these responsibilities means understanding the array of methods that malicious actors could use to compromise a data centre both physically and digitally. I urge operators and users of data centres to consult this joint guidance and adopt the holistic security strategy it recommends.” “Data centres and the data they hold are invaluable to the UK’s economy, security and prosperity,” the head of the CPNI said in the same statement. Staff of the CNPI cannot be identified publicly. “Threat actors constantly seek to evolve their methods to exploit any weaknesses in data infrastructure security, often concurrently. To minimise the risk of a breach it is critical that data centre security is viewed holistically with physical, people and cyber security risks considered with other factors such as where in the world infrastructure is located. By doing so, data centre owners and users can better safeguard their customer’s data, their business operations and keep the UK’s digital infrastructure running. In this period of stark geopolitical uncertainty, there is no better time than now for data centre operators and users to read the full guidance and make sure they’re best protected.” Six More OPVs for Indian Coast Guard A request for information (RfI) issued by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on 28 February reveals an intention to procure six more OPVs for coastal and offshore patrolling and policing missions. Industry responses are required by 25 April. The vessels are to be acquired under the MoD’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. They are to be approx. 115m in length, with a top speed of at least 23kt, cruising speed of 14kt, maximum draught of 4m and a minimum range of 6,000nmi at cruising speed, with 25% fuel reserves. With an anticipated 30+-year service life, each vessel must feature a landing deck and hangar for a 10,000kg helicopter, controllable- pitch propellers powered by twin-shaft diesels, an integrated platform management system, active fin stabilisers. two self-contained articulated cranes, and a fire control system for its main weapon. They must be able to embark two RHIBs and support VTOL UAS operations. With a complement of 125, the OPVs are also intended for use in anti-smuggling and anti-piracy missions, as well as in SAR and surveillance operations, with added capabilities for a limited wartime role and for responding to small marine oil spills. The RfI was issued just weeks after the handover of the fifth and final Samarth-class OPV to the ICG by Goa Shipyards Limited. The service also operates Vikram-, Sankalp-, Samar-, and Vishwast-class OPVs. Homeland Security Forum Damen Supplies Prototype Patrol Boat to Gibraltar Customs Damen, the Dutch shipbuilder, has supplied a custom-built prototype patrol boat to the Gibraltar customs authorities. The vessel, an Interceptor 1503 FRP, was designed in collaboration with the client, HM Customs. It can carry five crew and up to 12 passengers and has a top speed of 62.5kts, meaning it is believed to be the fastest vessel based in the Bay of Gibraltar. At 14.5m long, it is also the largest vessel to be operated by Gibraltar’s customs authorities. The vessel has been named HMC Sentinel, and as well as being equipped with up-to-date communications equipment, radar, GPS, and both fixed and portable searchlights, it also has a stretcher. Its interior is fitted with Ullman Atlantic shock-absorber seats, to make long shifts at sea more endurable. “I am extremely proud to present HMC Sentinel, which represents a new phase in the development of HM Customs’ maritime operations in terms of capability and operability,” said John Payas, Gibraltar’s Collector of Customs. “Her high speed, enclosed cabin and robustness afford enhanced protection to our officers whilst carrying out their duties in the often volatile and challenging environment that are the British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. Furthermore, her on-board amenities allow for greater comfort affording longer patrol times and increased presence.” Intelligence Community Data-Centre Security Guidance The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ, and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, part of MI5, have published new guidance on data-centre security. The guidance has been issued in two versions, one for owners of data centres and one for users. In both versions, it focuses on nine separate aspects of securing the centres and the information they store and handle: risk management, resilience, geography and ownership, physical HMC Sentinel. The fifth and final Samarth-class OPV, delivered to the ICG in February. (Photo: Damen) (Photo: Goa Shipyard Limited)
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