Cyber-attacks at the Port of Los Angeles have nearly doubled since the start of the Covid pandemic. Namely, the number of monthly attacks targeting the port is now around 40 million.
According to an interview of the port’s executive director Gene Seroka at the BBC, the threats are believed to come mainly from Europe and Russia, and aim to disrupt the US economy.
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The port faces daily ransomware, malware, spear phishing and credential harvesting attacks, with the aim of causing as much disruption as possible and slowing down economies.
For this reason, the Port of Los Angeles is now working with the FBI’s cyber-crime team to prevent attacks and improve cyber-security. It has also invested millions of dollars in cyber-protection, developing one of the world’s first Cyber Resilience Centres, which is part of the FBI. The Cyber Resilience Centre provides enhanced intelligence gathering and heightened protection against cyber-threats within the maritime supply chain.
We must take every precaution against potential cyber-incidents, particularly those that could threaten or disrupt the flow of cargo
said Mr Seroka.
