The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced a significant update to its Marine Transportation System Resilience Assessment Guide (MTS Guide), bolstering resources available to stakeholders in the maritime sector. This update introduces the Resilience Assessment Resource Matrix, a new web-based tool designed to streamline resilience assessments of maritime infrastructure. Featuring a curated selection of over 100 off-the-shelf resources—including tools, methods, data sources, and practical examples—the Matrix enables users to tailor assessments based on scale, scope, and specific objectives. This initiative reflects CISA’s commitment to enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure against evolving threats.
Initially released in May 2023, the MTS Guide provides a comprehensive framework for assessing resilience across various aspects of the maritime domain. It equips users with methodologies to evaluate individual ports, port networks, and the broader inland marine transportation system. The guide integrates advanced analysis techniques and incorporates case studies that demonstrate practical applications, helping stakeholders to better understand and manage risks effectively. The addition of the Resource Matrix enhances the guide’s utility by offering stakeholders a centralized hub of diverse tools and insights for informed decision-making in resilience planning.
The update focuses on addressing key challenges faced by maritime infrastructure, such as cybersecurity threats, natural disasters, and operational disruptions. By expanding access to a wide array of resources, CISA aims to empower stakeholders—from port authorities to industry leaders and academic researchers—to strengthen infrastructure resilience proactively. This initiative is particularly timely as the maritime sector plays a critical role in global trade and national security, underscoring the importance of robust resilience measures in safeguarding operations against potential disruptions.
Moving forward, CISA encourages stakeholders to leverage the updated MTS Guide and Resilience Assessment Resource Matrix to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across sectors, CISA aims to foster a more resilient maritime infrastructure capable of adapting to and mitigating emerging threats in an increasingly interconnected and complex environment.
