US Coast Guard Gains Expanded Authority Over Maritime Cyber Incidents

The U.S. Coast Guard has received the authority to control the movement of ships that pose potential cyberthreats.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed an executive order that also empowers the Coast Guard to inspect vessels and waterfront infrastructure and enforce a baseline cyber standard for maritime facilities, CyberScoop reported Wednesday.

Sector entities are required under the EO to inform the service branch about cyber incidents.

Meanwhile, the White House is expected to spend $20 billion over the next five years to strengthen port infrastructure.

Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, told reporters on Tuesday that ensuring the continued operation of U.S. ports is integral to economic and national security.

Officials have warned that the China-backed hacking group Volt Typhoon successfully targeted maritime entities and other critical infrastructure sectors. China owns roughly 80 percent of ship-to-shore cranes at U.S. ports.

Rear Adm. Jay Vann, head of the Coast Guard Cyber Command, said ports and waterways comprise more than $5.4 trillion of the United States’ annual economic activity.