CargoLiF

Which industries are reliant on data transmission and vulnerable to security?

What areas are typically overlooked and underestimated?

Utilizing LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology in the containerized cargo industry to mitigate drugs, arms, and human trafficking

Technology

LiFi technology leverages light to transmit data rather than the traditional radio frequencies used by WiFi or cellular towers. The biggest advantage of LiFi is its ability to provide secure, reliable, and robust wireless communications without users having to worry about looming cyber threats. As pureLiFi states, “simply draw the curtains and shut [the] doors to secure…LiFi networks.” Imagine that!

Research

The two key points of differentiation between LiFi and WiFi are speed and security. So which industries are reliant on data transmission and vulnerable to security? What areas are typically overlooked and underestimated?

Initial market research revealed the maritime cargo industry, an area over 40 years in the making, is still astonishingly susceptible to piracy, criminal activity, and theft.

On any given day, there are over 16 million maritime containers in transit. Pirates are not only hacking into the vessel’s software to access crate contents and port information, but they are also extracting valuable information about the ships and the companies and countries that own them.

Since cargo transits occur over long distances, the journeys include multiple stops; because different ports perform under different regulations, the cargo undergoes varied handling procedures. The amount of differentiated activity that occurs before cargo containers reach their destination is virtually unknown; therefore, it is not only extremely difficult to secure valuable goods, but it is also challenging to identify where and when crimes occur.

This swings the door wide open for remote attackers to illicit theft as well as criminal activities such as drug-, arms-, and human trafficking.

Solution Design

The opportunity for LiFi application in the cargo industry is to monitor and alert ocean carrier operators of any breaches within cargo perimeters.

CargoLiF is a motion sensor device attached to the interior of the cargo, which will be connected to a LiFi transmitter. The transmitter will be placed above the container and connected via modified port lights containing LiFi receivers. The port lights will send the information to a central server in the port offices, and then accordingly to governmental bodies or shipping lines.

With the security that LiFi guarantees, it would decrease the chances of hacking not only at the ports, but within the security offices as well; thereby allowing information to be transmitted securely within the facility.

Because market research indicated much of the hacking takes place before the information arrives at the port security server, CargoLiF would be the perfect application for LiFi within the maritime cargo industry.