In a proactive move to fortify the nation’s ports and bolster maritime cybersecurity, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a series of decisive actions. With a focus on enhancing the security of critical infrastructure and safeguarding supply chains, these measures underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing 21st-century threats head-on.
The recent Executive Order, issued on February 21, 2024, empowers the Department of Homeland Security to directly tackle maritime cyber threats. This includes the implementation of robust cybersecurity standards to ensure the resilience of American ports’ networks and systems. With this mandate, the U.S. Coast Guard gains explicit authority to respond to malicious cyber activity within the nation’s Marine Transportation System (MTS), ensuring the safety of vessels, facilities, and harbors. Furthermore, mandatory reporting of cyber incidents threatening maritime infrastructure will be enforced, enabling swift responses to active threats.
Addressing specific vulnerabilities, the U.S. Coast Guard will issue a Maritime Security Directive focused on cyber risk management for ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by the People’s Republic of China at strategic U.S. seaports. Owners and operators of these cranes will be required to adhere to the directive, implementing necessary actions to mitigate risks posed by cyber threats.
Complementing these directives, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System has been issued. This proposed rule aims to establish minimum cybersecurity requirements aligned with international standards, strengthening digital resilience against malicious actors seeking unauthorized access.
In parallel, the Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to revitalizing domestic industrial capacity, particularly in the production of port cranes. With an investment exceeding $20 billion in U.S. port infrastructure over the next five years, including grants, PACECO Corp., a U.S.-based subsidiary of Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd (Japan), is poised to reintroduce manufacturing capabilities for port cranes in the United States. This strategic move marks a significant milestone, bringing crane production back to U.S. shores after a three-decade hiatus.
These initiatives, part of the broader Investing in America Agenda, demonstrate the administration’s proactive approach to securing critical infrastructure, strengthening supply chains, and safeguarding the nation’s economic and national security interests.
For further updates and information, stay tuned to Cyber Onboard for ongoing coverage of cybersecurity and infrastructure developments.
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