Austin News

December 24, 2024

AUSTIN – A new bill aimed at enhancing cybersecurity at U.S. ports has been signed into law. The Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act, sponsored by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI), along with U.S. Representative Daniel Webster (FL-11), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

The legislation mandates that applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) can only purchase secure digital infrastructure or software components. Applicants must also certify they have a security plan addressing cyber risks.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of this measure: “As technology continues to advance and global tensions rise, we must take steps to address the growing threat posed by adversaries looking to access sensitive information or disrupt supply chains at our ports,” he said. “This law will mitigate the risk of cyber-espionage by foreign countries and help ensure the digital infrastructure and technology at our ports is secure.”

Senator Peters highlighted the role of shipping ports in national security: “Our shipping ports play a crucial role in building resilient supply chains, supporting economic growth, and strengthening our national security. We must do everything we can to protect our port infrastructure from cybersecurity threats,” he stated. “This law will incentivize our ports to put the appropriate guardrails in place to protect against cyberattacks, helping to improve the security and efficiency of operations.”

Representative Webster pointed out the necessity for resources at seaports: “We must ensure our seaports have the resources and are taking the steps necessary to counter threats posed by the introduction of new software and digital infrastructure,” he noted. “This critical measure will help insulate port operations against any potential attacks by those wishing to disrupt our supply chains.”

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) also cosponsored this legislation in the House.

The act addresses concerns about Chinese-made cranes operating at American ports that may contain embedded technology capable of espionage or disruption. It builds on Senator Cornyn’s previous Cranes of Concern at our Ports (CCP) Act, which requires evaluation of threats posed by cranes manufactured in countries like China.