USA announces new cybersecurity measures for US ports

New measures have been announced to bolster port security in the U.S., enhance the country’s maritime cybersecurity, fortify supply chains, and reinforce its industrial base.
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The Biden-Harris Administration announced a series of new cybersecurity measures to secure the US ports, in tandem with efforts to strengthen supply chains and revitalise the US industrial base. The official press release highlights that these actions, part of President Biden’s ongoing commitment to investing in America’s infrastructure and safeguarding against modern threats, come amid growing concerns over the vulnerability of critical maritime systems to cyberattacks.

The key initiatives include:

  1. President Biden will sign an Executive Order to bolster the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to directly address maritime cyber threats, including through cybersecurity standards to ensure that American ports’ networks and systems are secure.
  2. The US Coast Guard will issue a Maritime Security Directive on cyber risk management actions for ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by the People’s Republic of China located at U.S. Commercial Strategic Seaports. 
  3. The US Coast Guard has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System.
  4. The Administration continues to deliver for the American people by rebuilding the US’ industrial capacity to produce port cranes with trusted partners. 

According to a Biden administration official, efforts to enhance port security will now encompass the newly established Supply Chain Resilience Center, which was announced last November. Alongside the implementation of new regulations, a substantial $20 billion investment from the Investing in America Agenda will be directed towards fortifying US port infrastructure.

Highlighting the critical role of ports in facilitating economic activity, with over $5.4 trillion in trade passing through them annually, a senior administration official emphasised the potentially devastating impact of a cyberattack on both domestic and global supply chains.

One particular focus of the enhanced port security measures is on remote ship-to-shore cranes responsible for unloading cargo containers from vessels. Senior officials expressed concern over the prevalence of Chinese-made cranes, equipped with Chinese software, which raises apprehensions regarding potential surveillance capabilities. With over 80% of such cranes in US ports originating from China, totalling more than 200 units, the presence of sophisticated sensors capable of tracking container information adds to security concerns. The Coast Guard has already evaluated 92 of these cranes.