Ireland’s Marine Institute Bolsters Cybersecurity Infrastructure — From Shore to Seafloor

Ireland’s Marine Institute Bolsters Cybersecurity Infrastructure — From Shore to Seafloor

Galway, Ireland – July 31, 2025

In a world increasingly driven by data and digital innovation, Ireland’s Marine Institute is leading by example, safeguarding one of the most extensive marine research networks in Europe — from its onshore headquarters to its state-of-the-art undersea observatory in Galway Bay.

Tasked with managing Ireland’s 220 million-acre marine resource, the Marine Institute plays a pivotal role in supporting sustainable marine development, research, and innovation. Now, with the rapid expansion of Ireland’s marine IoT infrastructure, the Institute has strategically upgraded its cybersecurity systems to ensure the integrity and security of the massive datasets it collects daily.

Securing an Ocean of Data

Operating in a data-intensive environment, the Marine Institute gathers information from research vessels, remote sensors, and its SmartBay undersea observatory, which lies 20 metres beneath the surface of Galway Bay. The observatory is a marine Internet of Things (IoT) hub, providing real-time access to a network of sensors used by marine biologists, startups, and research institutions exploring next-generation ocean technologies.

“The volume and sensitivity of data we manage—from environmental metrics to real-time underwater video—demanded a comprehensive security solution,” explains Keith Manson, IT Systems & Operations Manager at the Marine Institute. “With this infrastructure, we’re accelerating research and maritime innovation, but we must also ensure our digital backbone is resilient to modern threats.”

Strategic Cybersecurity Upgrade

Recognising the need for flexible, scalable, and intelligent threat prevention, the Marine Institute partnered with Juniper Networks and Agile Networks to deploy an advanced security system. This included:

• SRX1500 Services Gateway

• Junos Space® Security Director

• Juniper Sky™ Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP)

These tools provide real-time traffic monitoring, automated threat response, and granular access controls tailored to a diverse ecosystem of users — from Institute staff and mobile researchers to project partners controlling specific instruments remotely.

“Juniper’s solutions gave us visibility and control at every level of our infrastructure — from our office networks to our vessels and deep-sea observatory,” says Manson. “Now, we can proactively identify and isolate suspicious traffic before it becomes a problem.”

A Model for Resilient Marine Networks

In an era when marine research is increasingly reliant on digital tools and remote infrastructure, this cybersecurity upgrade provides a blueprint for resilient data systems in maritime settings. The Marine Institute’s approach ensures that mission-critical research into marine biodiversity, renewable energy, aquaculture, and climate science can proceed uninterrupted and securely.

Beyond the hardware, the Institute is committed to strengthening cybersecurity awareness through policy, training, and long-term strategy.

“We’ve moved from reactive to proactive security,” says Manson. “This allows us to focus on our mission—supporting a sustainable ocean economy—without compromising our digital safety.”

🔹 About the Marine InstituteThe Marine Institute is Ireland’s national agency for marine research, technology development, and innovation, playing a leading role in advancing the blue economy and protecting marine ecosystems.

🔹 About Juniper NetworksJuniper Networks is a global leader in secure and scalable networking solutions, enabling organisations to innovate confidently in the digital age.

🔹 About Agile NetworksAgile Networks is an Irish technology integrator specialising in high-performance networking, working across public and private sectors.