Biden Administration and US Ports Brace for Cyber Threats amid Growing Infrastructure Attacks
In light of escalating cyberattacks targeting the United States’ critical infrastructure, the Biden administration is stepping up its game to safeguard the nation’s ports, a vital component of its economy and security. Gene Seroka, the executive director for the Port of Los Angeles, shared a compelling statistic that underscores the urgency of the situation: in 2023 alone, the port thwarted 750 million hacking attempts.
During a crucial joint call, Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, emphasized the necessity for ports to fortify their defenses. She recommended measures such as encrypting data, swiftly addressing system vulnerabilities, and maintaining a highly skilled cyber team. These steps are essential as the United States faces an uptick in cyber intrusions aimed at key infrastructure sectors.
Highlighting the significant role of ports, Neuberger referenced President Biden’s executive order issued in February to enhance the cybersecurity framework of U.S. ports. This strategic move aims to protect a sector that not only facilitates the bulk of international trade but also supports 31 million jobs and contributes over $5.4 trillion to the national economy.
The urgency for improved cyber defenses is echoed by Gene Seroka from the Port of Los Angeles, a long-time advocate for a robust federal cybersecurity strategy. “The executive order has elevated the discussion,” stated Seroka, acknowledging the steps forward while also pointing out the need for ongoing efforts across the ports and supply chains. The Port of Los Angeles, having established a Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) back in 2014, recorded an exceptional number of cyber intrusions in 2023, demonstrating the persistent and evolving threats facing maritime facilities.
The vulnerability of U.S. ports to cyberattacks was highlighted in a 2023 report by the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration. The report outlined the inherent risks due to the multitude of stakeholders, operational technologies, and extensive networks within the port ecosystem. These vulnerabilities could significantly disrupt logistics, navigation, and cargo handling processes, posing a national security concern.
The Biden administration’s executive order not only empowers the Coast Guard to respond more effectively to cyber incidents but also mandates timely reporting of cyber threats. A noteworthy aspect of the order addresses the security implications of Chinese-manufactured cranes, which dominate the U.S. market. With over 80% of cranes at American ports made in China, there are growing concerns about potential espionage or remote manipulation risks, prompting discussions about transitioning to alternatives such as those produced by a U.S. subsidiary of Mitsui.
Foreign cyber adversaries, notably from China and Russia, have intensified their efforts to infiltrate American critical infrastructure, ranging from water treatment facilities to the electrical grid. Recent incidents, including the cyber intrusion into a Texas water filtration plant and warnings from the FBI about Chinese hackers targeting vital services, underscore the breadth and depth of the cyber threat landscape confronting the United States.
In response to these challenges, experts like Adam Isles from the Chertoff Group emphasize the importance of identifying critical assets and implementing continuous monitoring and resilience strategies. “We need to assume these systems will be compromised at some point,” Isles stated, advocating for a proactive and defensive approach to cybersecurity.
As the Port of Los Angeles celebrates the upcoming ten-year anniversary of its CSOC and its significant contributions to maritime cybersecurity, including achieving ISO 27001 certification, the focus on bolstering cyber resilience remains paramount. With an optimistic outlook, the port reported a 19% increase in container volume in the first quarter of 2023, marking eight consecutive months of growth and reflecting the critical importance of maintaining secure and efficient operations in the face of evolving cyber threats.
The concerted efforts of the Biden administration, port authorities, and cybersecurity professionals highlight a unified commitment to safeguarding America’s ports and, by extension, its national security and economic vitality. The journey towards cyber resilience is ongoing, with the critical infrastructure at the forefront of this pivotal battle.
