Securing US ports

The US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently awarded US$100m to over 44 US port authorities, along with numerous terminal operators, municipalities and policing entities to further enhance the protection of critical port infrastructure from threats through the agency’s Port Security Grant Program (PSGP).

Consistent with previous years’ awards, port authorities themselves received almost US$30m, or roughly 30% of the FY 2021 funding.

Cyber attacks on the increase

Derek Miller, government relations manager at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), said: “The Port Security Grant Program is utilized by ports around the country to stay vigilant and continuously improve their security posture in light of ever-evolving threats. In our everyday lives we have felt the disruptive and dangerous impacts of the increase in cyber-attacks and ransomware situations around the world. This program is vital to protecting our workers and our supply chain.”

The PSGP funds projects to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

According to FEMA, priority was given to projects that enhance protection against cyber vulnerability, susceptibility of soft targets/crowded places, domestic violent extremism and emerging threats.