August 16, 2017

Torres Tours Port Cybersecurity Operations Center and Receives Letter of Support From Port of Los Angeles for Cyber Bill

ONTARIO, CA – Today, Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona) toured the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach following the recent world-wide cyber-attack that resulted in a shutdown of the largest terminal at the Port Complex. During the site visit, the Port of Los Angeles issued a letter of support for H.R. 3101, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act, a bill introduced by Torres.

"My district and the Inland Empire are a critical part of the goods movement that transports shipments between the Ports and the rest of the country," said Torres. "The most recent cyber-attack revealed serious vulnerabilities in our nation's security, and I am pleased that the Port of Los Angeles is supporting my efforts to address these weaknesses before it is too late," said Torres. "There is currently surprisingly little coordination between port landlords and tenants in addressing cyber threats and federal agencies are only beginning to take into account the impact of cyber-threats to our maritime security. The most recent attack was debilitating and should serve as a call to action to address the clear vulnerabilities in our maritime security before those who wish to do us harm are able to engineer a more devastating cyber-attack."

Today's site visit included meetings with the Long Beach Port Security Division, representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, and a tour of the Port of Los Angeles Cyber Security Operations Center.

"The Port of Los Angeles thanks Congresswoman Torres for her leadership in authoring H.R. 3101, which will improve information sharing between federal agencies and the maritime industry," said the Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "This legislation will assist in protecting the nation's busiest container port and keep its cyber infrastructure safe and secure."

"As the largest active Port Complex in the United States, securing the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach is a national priority for our safety and economic security," continued Torres. "It is eye-opening to see first-hand this impressive facility and the work of so many dedicated personnel. At a time when our national security faces unprecedented threats, we must ensure our nation's ports and the agencies tasked with protecting them have the tools and funding they need to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies and security threats."

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. Additional information about the legislation and the text of the bill can be found here.