House Passes Torres Port Cybersecurity Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3878, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015.
"More than $1.3 trillion in cargo moves annually through our nation's 360 commercial ports, and many of the goods that enter through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach come to my district before being shipped to the rest of the country," said Torres. "With this much economic activity and the increased use of cyber technology to manage port operations ranging from communication and navigation to engineering, safety, and cargo, it is critical to protect our maritime cyber infrastructure."
The Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act would improve information sharing and cooperation in addressing cybersecurity risks at our nation's ports. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish voluntary guidelines for reporting of cybersecurity risks, to develop and implement a maritime cyber security risk model, and to make recommendations on enhancing the sharing of cyber information. It also requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to direct Area Maritime Security Committees to ensure area maritime security and facility security plans address cybersecurity risks.
"During a recent homeland security hearing, we learned of significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities at our nation's ports," continued Torres. "There appears to currently be little coordination between port landlords and tenants in addressing cyber threats, and federal agencies have only recently started to consider the impact that a cyber-attack could pose to our maritime infrastructure. This legislation will ensure the necessary planning and coordination is in place to protect the ports that form the backbone of our nation's economy."
H.R. 3878, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act of 2015, was introduced by Rep. Torres on November 2, 2015 and voted favorably out of the Homeland Security Committee on November 4, 2015.