MANILA CITY – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) assured the public on Thursday, 04 July 2024, that its new Blockchain-Enabled Automated Certification System (BEST) offers enhanced data security amid concerns over recent data breaches in the country.

“Blockchain technology significantly enhances data security,” MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said during a media briefing. “In a blockchain, the database is divided into blocks. If one block is breached, the others remain unaffected.”

“Blockchains are immutable, which means that the data entered in each hash are irreversible. MARINA-BEST transactions are permanently recorded. Intrusions are detected at the initial stage, allowing us to implement measures to prevent unauthorized access,” she added.

The MARINA-BEST system currently handles registration and certification processing for shipping companies. Malaluan announced that data from the existing online system, MISMO, which serves seafarers, manning agencies, among others will eventually be migrated to the new blockchain system.

Meanwhile, Management, Information and Systems Service (MISS) Director Dr Joseph Victor Generato explained that since the system is designed in “private-type” format, it ensures that MARINA maintains control over user credentials. To add data, users must be authenticated.

“We meticulously trace all uploads to identify their origins. Multiple security layers protect our database from unauthorized access. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) oversees security aspects, while our backend configurations ensure secure document uploads,” he said.

Addressing a recent hacking incident involving four MARINA systems, the Agency reiterated that no significant data was compromised. MARINA is currently awaiting the final digital forensic report on the investigation conducted by the DICT.

Further, MARINA also appealed for an additional funding to sustain the system’s implementation and enhance the agency’s operations to ensure maritime safety.