As a direct result of a cyberattack that saw the largest terminal at the Port of Los Angeles closed in June, the House Committee on Homeland Security has advanced a new cybersecurity bill this week.
The Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act is a bill introduced by Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) which is focused on enhancing maritime security. It would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to pursue a number of actions, including creation of voluntary guidelines for reporting cybersecurity risks, development of maritime risk models for cybersecurity concerns and to submit recommendations regarding the sharing of cyber information. Further, the Commandant of the Coast Guard would have to guarantee cybersecurity risks were being addressed for various facilities and areas.
“The most recent cyber-attack revealed serious vulnerabilities in our nation’s maritime security, so I was pleased the Homeland Security Committee voted to approve my bill and to address these weaknesses before it’s too late,” Torres said. “With more than $1.3 trillion in cargo moving annually through our nation’s 360 commercial ports and the increased use of cyber technology to manage port operations ranging from communication and navigation to engineering, safety, and cargo, it is critical to protect our nation’s maritime cyber infrastructure.”
She added that she was shocked to learn how little communication and coordination is actually undertaken between port landlords and tenants on this issue–and how little the federal government has worked to correct it. The point, she said, is to act now and develop methods of shoring up maritime security, before a truly devastating attack hits, not after.