U.S. Federal officials should forge a comprehensive strategy to defend the nation’s ports from cyber attacks, Port of Long Beach Director of Security Services Randy Parsons told a U.S. House of Representatives committee in testimony earlier this month.

Parsons, appearing before the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee, said the maritime sector must adapt to a new threat environment that could include cyber events impacting key cogs in the nation’s economy.

“Protecting U.S. ports must be a core capability of our nation,” Parsons said.

“Focusing on the development of strategic policies and guidelines is sorely needed. A roadmap that provides guidance but flexibility for industry decisions makes sense and will strengthen our national cyber security posture.”

The Port of Long Beach is participating in October’s National Cyber Security Month.

(From: World Maritime News)