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President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to enhance cybersecurity at U.S. ports. $20 billion will be invested in port upgrades, including a shift to trusted crane suppliers.
This measure counteracts risks posed by the use of cranes made by China, and aims to expand the Coast Guard’s authority.
Strengthening U.S. Port Cybersecurity
The executive order grants the U.S. Coast Guard expanded powers to address cybersecurity incidents at maritime ports.
The Coast Guard will assists in controlling the movement of vessels that may represent a threat to national security and will share reports with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other government agencies on certain regulated facilities and boats, explains CNBC.
Additionally, the role of a national maritime security director will be created to oversee these endeavors.
Investment in Domestic Crane Production
More than $20 billion will be invested over the next five years to improve port infrastructure.
Part of this initiative involves transitioning from Chinese-built cranes to equipment manufactured by trusted suppliers, a strategy aimed at mitigating remote exploitation risks.
According to senior administration officials, the majority of equipment used to transfer cargo off ships in the United States today is imported from China and controlled by Chinese software, explains Reuters.
What does China say about it?
Chinese authorities have flatly dismissed the US’s frequent “China threat” rhetoric.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a press conference in January that some U.S. politicians have been blowing up the “China threat” bubble, while exposing their real aim of suppressing China’s development in the name of national security, as per China News.
The new Huawei?
A report from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration in 2023 highlighted the susceptibility of American ports to cyberattacks, attributing the risk to the complex network of contractors and varied technology systems in place.
In a Wall Street Journal piece on port security, former U.S. counterintelligence chief Bill Evanina said that Chinese cranes at ports could be “the new Huawei,” referencing concerns that, similar to the telecom company, these cranes could be used for espionage.
Read the White House’s press release about the initiative here.
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Madalina, a seasoned digital content creator at Heimdal®, blends her passion for cybersecurity with an 8-year background in PR & CSR consultancy. Skilled in making complex cyber topics accessible, she bridges the gap between cyber experts and the wider audience with finesse.
