Cyber defence effort returns to US ports post-pandemic
Chinese-linked hacker groups are targeting US ports with advanced AI-enabled attacks.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has resumed its seaport cybersecurity exercise programme. Initially paused due to the pandemic and other delays, the initiative is now returning to ports such as Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington and potentially Tampa.
These proof-of-concept tabletop exercises are intended to help ports prepare for cyber threats by developing a flexible, replicable framework. Each port functions uniquely, yet common infrastructure and shared vulnerabilities make standardised preparation critical for effective crisis response.
CISA warns that threats targeting ports have grown more severe, with nation states exploiting AI-powered techniques. Some US ports, including Houston, have already fended off cyberattacks, and Chinese-made systems dominate critical logistics, raising national security concerns.
Private ownership of most port infrastructure demands strong public-private partnerships to maintain cybersecurity. CISA aims to offer a shared model that ports across the country can adapt to improve cooperation, resilience, and threat awareness.
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