capt. Murray: Maritime cybersecurity requires constant, consistent efforts
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed an executive order and created a federal rule to better securing the nation’s ports from potential cyberattacks.
Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO, released a statement on Wednesday’s executive order, saying, “Maritime cybersecurity requires constant and consistent efforts for ports.
“Port Canaveral teams have worked closely with the Coast Guard to ensure our IT and port security practices align with state and federal directives. All measures and protections aimed at securing our port community are welcomed.”
The administration has set forth cybersecurity regulations that port operators must comply with across the country, not unlike standardized safety regulations that seek to prevent injury or damage to people and infrastructure.
“We want to ensure there are similar requirements for cyber, when a cyberattack can cause just as much if not more damage than a storm or another physical threat,” said Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser at the White House.
Nationwide, ports employ roughly 31 million people and contribute $5.4 trillion to the economy, and could be left vulnerable to a ransomware or other brand of cyberattack, Neuberger said. The standardized set of requirements is designed to help protect against that.
Port Canaveral is the world’s busiest cruise port, setting an all-time high with 6.8 million cruise passengers in 2023.
The port homeported 13 ships and received 906 ship calls, and operational income reached an unprecedented $191 million, including a record-breaking $158 million from cruise operations, he said.
“This Port is an economic powerhouse in the state of Florida,” Murray said. “Central Florida benefits immensely from our operations, with numerous jobs created, businesses thriving, and increased tourism. We play a crucial role in supporting Florida’s tourism industry.”
In 2024 the port is expected to homeport 13 cruise ships, hosting 7.3 million passengers and anticipating 913 ship calls. In order to handle the growing cruise traffic, the Port will dedicate $78 million from its Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Projects budget to Port-wide parking improvements.
Additional improvements will include a new camp store, pavilion renovations, road paving, and RV site upgrades at the Port’s Jetty Park.
“We’re very excited for the future,” Murray said. “We have some great assets coming online in the next few years and a lot of surprises for the business as a whole.”
Related Story:Port Canaveral Expands Cargo Handling Capacities with Addition of Second Mobile Harbor Crane
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