Homeland Security looks to infosec testbed to protect ports

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has outlined plans to enhance cybersecurity through the Maritime Transport System (MTS). The department’s goal is to protect the system and infrastructure used to ensure safe and free navigation on America’s waterways.

Ports are a vital part of the U.S. economy, contributing $649 million to GDP and generating 13 million jobs. The request for information will be used to help develop research to test the vulnerabilities of port infrastructure.

The study will help develop a virtual “testbed” that researchers will use to test the functionality of the gate and determine any exploitable gaps in the systems. By identifying weaknesses, the MTS aims to mitigate and close vulnerabilities.

Raising the stakes

Biden recently introduced a baseline port cybersecurity standardrequiring all ports that were not in compliance to make improvements. The executive order gave the U.S. Coast Guard more authority in its response to cyberattacks and set aside $20 billion to invest in port infrastructure over the next five years.

Homeland Security noted: “Recent events have highlighted the fragile and complex nature of the (maritime transportation system), as well as the primary, secondary, and wider impacts once a tragic disruption occurs.”

In 2023 a port in Japan was closed in a Lockbit 3.0 ransomware attack that halted all shipping through the port for two days. Total losses were not disclosed, but severe disruption is said to have contributed to “huge” financial costs.

Cyber security has becoming a growing concern for government agencies on both sides in the aftermath of Russia’s war in Ukraine, as threat actors seek to inflict maximum damage on infrastructure. Malware attacks have become a common technique to gain leverage over targets to disrupt operations. The MTS investigation should strengthen the U.S. ports’ position against malicious cyber operations.

Via The register

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