"Biden Executive Order to Bolster US Maritime Cybersecurity"

President Joe Biden will be issuing an Executive Order (EO) to strengthen US maritime cybersecurity amid increased reliance on digital technology in the shipping sector.  The Order is part of the White House’s ambition to bolster the nation’s supply chains and critical infrastructure, as set out in the Administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy published in March 2023.  The new EO will give new powers to the Department of Homeland Security to directly address maritime cyber threats.  This includes the development of new cybersecurity standards for the security of US ports’ networks and systems.  The EO also provides other actions.  The US Coast Guard will have the “express authority” to require vessels and waterfront facilities to mitigate cyber conditions that may endanger the safety of a vessel, facility, or harbor.  The Coast Guard will have the authority to control the movement of vessels that present a known or suspected cyber threat to US maritime infrastructure.  It will be mandatory to report any cyber incidents or active cyber threats endangering any vessel, harbor, port, or waterfront facility.  A Maritime Security Directive will be issued by the Coast Guard to provide cyber risk management actions for the operators of any ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by Chinese companies.   As part of the EO, the Biden Administration will also invest $20bn in modernizing US port infrastructure over the next five years.

Infosecurity Magazine reports: "Biden Executive Order to Bolster US Maritime Cybersecurity"