USCG highlights role of AMSCs in cyber security

In the recent National Cybersecurity Awareness Month post, the US Coast Guard Office of Port & Facility Compliance provides some insight on the role of Area Maritime Security Committees in protecting the Marine Transportation System (MTS) from cyber-related risks.

As reminded, the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 instructed the establishment of regional Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) as collaborative forums for government and industry partners to work together in order to improve security in the maritime sector.

In alignment with the USCG’s Cyber Strategy and the priority to protect the Marine Transportation System (MTS) and maritime critical infrastructure, the Coast Guard’s Office of Port and Facility Compliance has encouraged all AMSCs to establish cyber subcommittees to address cyber related security risks.

Currently, 28 of 43 AMSCs have established an AMSC cyber subcommittee to address cyber risk, cyber information sharing, and resiliency.

AMSC’s evolvement is crucial in understanding  how to use and interpret standard processes and assessment tools to address potential cyber-related incidents within the MTS. AMSCs are incorporating cyber threats and scenarios through the Area Maritime Security Training and Exercise Program to get a better grasp of cyber impacts and how to mitigate those impacts prior to a real time event.