As one of the busiest container ports in the United States, the Port of Long Beach serves as a massive gateway for trans-Pacific trade and handles more than $100 billion worth of cargo annually. Covering more than 3,520 acres of land and 4,600 acres of water, it can also handle some of the world’s largest shipping vessels.
Given the significance of American trade, it’s no surprise that the port faces various threats, both in the real world and in cyberspace. In November 2023, federal officials warned of the dangers of cyberattacks. The Port of Long Beach already has security systems that, according to some reports, block an estimated cyber threat every three seconds. Port officials have cited stopping millions of attacks daily!
To stay ahead of the bad actors, this month the port officially launched a dedicated Cyber Defense Operations Center, a facility designed to provide around-the-clock threat analysis to defend vital maritime supply chain networks from disruptions that could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars.
“Supply chain security is key to supply chain resilience, and with data and digital infrastructure being an ever-increasing part of maritime trade, effective cybersecurity is more important than ever to the global supply chain,” Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba announced during a media event that unveiled the Cyber Defense Operations Center earlier this month.
The event further highlighted the partnership between the Port of Long Beach, the United States Coast Guard, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and many other federal, state, and local agencies, which work to enhance the cybersecurity efforts.
“The Cyber Defense Operations Center represents the Port of Long Beach’s latest initiative to strengthen our cybersecurity capabilities,” Hacegaba added. “Through the use of enhanced technology, this center allows us to sustain world-class cybersecurity defenses and protect critical data networks to keep cargo flowing and the economy moving as we develop the Port of the Future.”
Hardening Harbor Defenses
The $3.5 million expansion is meant to harden the harbor’s digital defenses, and it will utilize around-the-clock cybersecurity monitoring and increase staff to provide greater resiliency for the many data networks critical to Port operations.
“As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, we need to stay ahead of the curve with technology that allows us to detect cyber criminals,” said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna. “This center will play a major role in keeping one of the nation’s busiest seaports safe from cyberattacks.”
Golden State lawmakers also praised the efforts to increase cybersecurity at the port.
“I commend the Port of Long Beach on the opening of its new Cyber Defense Operations Center and appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the Port’s cutting-edge operations during my recent visit alongside Congressman (Vince) Fong,” said Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security
“This advanced center will provide better visibility into cargo movement and help defend digital networks that are susceptible to cyber threats and cross-border illicit activity, including organized retail crime and the financial networks that enable these operations,” Garbarino added. As a cosponsor of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, I am happy to see a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to protecting the homeland and U.S. supply chains.”
The new facility is also part of a wider effort to strengthen the cyber defenses in the nation’s ports.
In January 2022, the neighboring Port of Los Angeles launched its Cyber Resilience Center (CRC) to enable faster threat sharing, and officials at the center called for more coordinated defenses. Operated by IBM and consisting of a system of systems, the CRC was the first-of-its-kind facility to protect maritime ecosystems from cyber threats.
About the Port of Long Beach
Founded in 1911 on 800 acres of mudflats at the mouth of the Los Angeles River, the Port of Long Beach has grown to become one of the world’s largest seaports.
Located about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, it generates approximately $100 billion in trade annually and employs more than 316,000 people in Southern California. It adjoins the Port of Los Angeles in the San Pedro and Wilmington neighborhoods.
Although they are separate entities, run by different municipalities, the two share railways and trucking routes. The Port of Los Angeles, often referred to as “America’s Port,” handles slightly higher total container volume and focuses on broad global trade. The Port of Long Beach has historically been recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability and green port initiatives. It also handles a larger portion of breakbulk cargo and bulk goods.
Both ports are ensuring that their critical infrastructure is protected from cyber threats.
“In our industry, the only certainty is uncertainty, and because we are part of the global supply, we must prepare for potential issues that may affect cargo movement,” Hacegaba said. “With recent supply chain disruptions adding volatility and instability to global trade, it’s even more important for our port to remain a safe harbor in the sea of trade and geopolitical uncertainty to keep cargo moving.”
