According to recent research, one of the world's biggest ports has witnessed an unusual spike in cyber-attacks since the outbreak began. The Port of Los Angeles' executive director, Gene Seroka, told the BBC World Service over the weekend that the facility receives roughly 40 million attacks every month.
"Our intelligence shows the threats are coming from Russia and parts of Europe. We have to stay steps ahead of those who want to hurt international commerce. We must take every precaution against potential cyber-incidents, particularly those that could threaten or disrupt the flow of cargo,” he further added.
Ransomware, malware, spear phishing, and credential harvesting attacks appear to be among the threats aimed against the facility, which is the busiest in the Western Hemisphere.
The goal seems to harm the US economy in many situations, however, profits through extortion and data theft will also be a factor.
Such dangers, if not adequately managed, can potentially exacerbate COVID-era supply chain snarls.
Seroka said that port blockages will not be cleared completely until next year, even though the number of container ships waiting more than two days to offload has reportedly reduced from 109 in January to 20 today.
"The past two years have proven the vital role that ports hold to our nation's critical infrastructure, supply chains and economy. It's paramount we keep the systems as secure as possible," Seroka expressed.
The challenge is so acute that the port established one of the world's first Cyber Resilience Centers in collaboration with the FBI. It provides a single site for port stakeholders such as shipping corporations to receive, evaluate, and exchange threat intelligence.
Ports have become such a popular target for cyber-criminals, particularly those aiming to undermine operations and extort businesses, due to their strategic significance to global trade.
