US Coast Guard Expands Cyber Command to Combat New Threats
The U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its Cyber Command operations and building out cybersecurity protection teams, officials testified Thursday. Rear Admiral John Vann, commander of the Coast Guard Cyber Command, told lawmakers the military branch has increasingly "invested in growing and maturing Coast Guard Cyber Command to assess, identify and respond to cyber risks and threats" in recent years.
"The growing reliance on cyber physical systems and operational technologies requires a comprehensive approach by all stakeholders to manage cyber risks and ensure safety and security of the [maritime transportation system]," Vann said during a House Homeland Security subcommittee on transportation and maritime security hearing on port cybersecurity.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order earlier this month strengthening the military branch's ability to respond to cyberattacks and mandating incident reporting requirements for vessel operators. Maritime security experts told Information Security Media Group the proposed regulations should significantly improve collaboration between federal cyber authorities and U.S. ports.
