Joe Biden signs executive order to increase cybersecurity at U.S. ports

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday to help improve cybersecurity around U.S. ports to deter hackers.

Biden's executive order grants the Department of Homeland Security the authority to address maritime cyberthreats and boost cybersecurity standards to improve the security in port networks.

That includes the mandatory reporting of all cyber incidents or threats that put any vessel, harbor, port or waterway facility in danger. The Coast Guard will be allowed to control the movement of vessels that display either a known or suspected cyberthreat to U.S. maritime infrastructure.

The Coast Guard will also issue a directive on actions regarding cranes made in China that are located at U.S. seaports, ordering the owners and operators of the cranes to "take a series of actions" and associated systems.

Rear Adm. John Vann told reporters the cranes "present a known or a suspected cyberthreat."

While Chinese cranes can be found at almost 80% of U.S. ports, they can collect information and disrupt port activities, he said.

The White House said its directives for crane operators should lessen the potential of an attack.

U.S. officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray , said concerns have increased over possible supply chain disruptions because of hackers.

"America's prosperity is directly linked to maritime trade and the integrated network of ports, terminals, vessels, waterways and land-side connections that constitutes the nation's Marine Transportation System," the White House said.

"The security of our critical infrastructure remains a national imperative in an increasingly complex threat environment."

Under the new directives, the Coast Guard will provide more cyber risk management actions involving the Chinese cranes while opening the door to rebuilding American capacity to manufacture domestic cranes.

"The proposed rule will strengthen these digital systems by establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements that meet international and industry-recognized standards to manage cyberthreats," the White House said.