U.S. ports most threatened by cyberattacks

Cyberattacks have been regarded by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as the most significant threat faced by ports across the country, reports The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. Such a threat has prompted the DHS to strengthen port cybersecurity, which is now being managed not only by the U.S. Coast Guard but also the Customs and Border and Protection, said Mayorkas during a Senate hearing. "I would identify, with respect to our ports, cybersecurity, as a significant threat stream and we are of course very focused on defending against it and strengthening our cybersecurity," Mayorkas said. Former CISA Assistant Director of Cybersecurity and LookingGlass CEO Bryan Ware noted the substantial impact of cyber-related disruptions against U.S. ports. "There are constant threats to our ports in the form of vulnerabilities, ransomware and more that can cause hours if not days of impact, but ultimately, the ripple effect from these can cause significant effects to companies, consumers, whole industries and more, which is the key issue here," Ware added.