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The Biden administration is set to unveil a series of cybersecurity directives on Wednesday, focusing on enhancing security measures at US maritime ports to thwart potential cyber threats, particularly addressing concerns related to Chinese-made cranes, according to senior US officials.
As part of the administration’s comprehensive strategy, an executive order by President Joe Biden will mandate US ships and port facilities to report any cyberattacks. Additionally, the Coast Guard will be granted expanded authority to inspect or control ships identified as “known or suspected cyber threats,” as detailed by Rear Adm. John Vann, who leads the Coast Guard Cyber Command.
A significant component of the cybersecurity directives involves a commitment to invest over $20 billion in the next five years for the development of new port infrastructure. This includes a focus on domestically manufactured cranes that, according to officials, present reduced cybersecurity and counterintelligence risks compared to their Chinese counterparts.
In an unprecedented move, US officials are publicly addressing the security risks associated with Chinese-made cranes, which currently make up almost 80% of the cranes deployed in US ports. The Coast Guard is poised to impose stringent cybersecurity requirements on the operators of these cranes to mitigate potential risks. Notably, the remote control capability of these cranes poses a significant threat, as unauthorized access could enable hackers to gather intelligence from ports or, theoretically, disrupt equipment operations.
The multifaceted approach underscores the administration’s commitment to bolstering cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, particularly within the maritime domain. These directives aim not only to address existing vulnerabilities but also to proactively secure the nation’s ports against evolving cyber threats, reflecting a strategic investment in the long-term resilience and security of the maritime sector.
