The U.S. Coast Guard is intensifying its Cyber Command operations and bolstering cybersecurity defense teams, as highlighted in testimony during a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing. Rear Admiral John Vann, commander of the Coast Guard Cyber Command, emphasized the significant investments made to enhance the command’s capabilities in identifying and responding to cyber threats in the maritime sector. President Biden’s recent executive order aims to fortify the military branch’s ability to counter cyberattacks and mandates incident reporting requirements for vessel operators, a move lauded by maritime security experts for fostering better collaboration between federal cyber authorities and U.S. ports.
In response to the executive order, the Coast Guard has issued directives mandating specific cyber risk management actions for crane operators using equipment manufactured by Chinese companies. Additionally, the branch is expanding its cyber protection teams (CPTs), deployable units comprising cybersecurity professionals trained in conducting vulnerability assessments, threat hunting, and incident response. The Coast Guard’s proactive measures underscore the growing reliance on port technologies developed abroad, particularly in China, and the imperative to secure critical maritime infrastructure from potential cyber threats.
Administration officials and security experts have expressed concerns over the widespread use of ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by Chinese companies across U.S. commercial seaports, highlighting the need for stringent cybersecurity measures. The Coast Guard, serving as the maritime security agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is spearheading efforts to establish new cybersecurity standards for U.S. ports and vessels. Furthermore, the branch aims to extend its current maritime security regulations to encompass cybersecurity considerations, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding the nation’s maritime assets from cyber threats.
