China

White House Issues New Cyber Directives to Defend US Ports

FEB 21 2024·Updated FEB 22 2024

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The Facts

Pres. Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a new executive order to strengthen cybersecurity at US maritime ports, as well as invest over $20B to toughen the country's port infrastructure.
CyberScoop
The executive order gives the US Coast Guard authority to issue basic cybersecurity requirements for transportation vessels and ports, and to move any ships that pose a "known or suspected cyber threat."
Axios
In addition, the maritime sector is required to report cyber incidents and attacks to the Coast Guard, while the latter is tasked with sharing reports of cyber threats with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.
CNBC
The Coast Guard will also boost a maritime security directive concerning cybersecurity requirements for the owning and operating Chinese-manufactured cranes, which could allegedly be serviced and programmed from remote locations.
thehill.com
According to Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger, the order comes in response to recent attacks on US water authorities by Iran-backed hackers, as well as multiple ransomware incidents targeting the country's healthcare system.
thehill.com
The development also comes weeks after FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to Congress that Chinese hackers have been "preparing to wreak havoc" on America's critical infrastructure in the event of a US-China crisis.
CNN

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-China narrative

Accusations of Chinese cyberattacks against the US are baseless. It's the US, not China, that's launching cyberattacks, and to say otherwise is both untrue and irresponsible. Washington must stop smearing the reputations of non-aligned countries under the guise of cyber security.

Ecns

Anti-China narrative

Ports are a vital part of the American economy, and any disruption to their functioning could destroy global supply chains. The US security guidelines must adapt to meet the Chinese threat as Beijing-backed hackers have burrowed themselves into much of the US maritime infrastructure.

CNN