The Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans wishes to remind Federal, State, local, and private sector partners of our shared responsibilities to preserve the Marine Transportation System (MTS), while protecting the people and communities who live near and depend on the MTS for their livelihoods. At this time, the Department of Homeland Security has no information indicating a specific, credible threat predicated by recent events and tensions in the Middle East. With that said and in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, security, and stewardship of the Nation’s waterways, the COTP strongly suggests the following prudent operating procedures to maintain secure operations:
• In addition to physical security threats, consider your cyber posture. A temporary or partial disruption of MTS operations could have serious consequences for the local, regional, national, and even global economy.
• Cyber attacks and spear phishing campaigns are not limited to the normal work day/week or typical working hours; it is imperative that cyber security measures be upheld at all times.
• Implement basic cyber hygiene practices such as:
– Effecting data backups
– Employing multi-factor authentication
– Practice safe web surfing by checking for the “green lock” in the browser bar (signifying a secure connection) and avoiding unsecured public access points. Personal hotspots are often safer alternatives to free Wi-Fi.
– Check your personal device’s apps and verify the permissions afforded to each app.
– Review your reporting procedures for proper handling of spam/phishing e-mails.
• Report suspicious activity without delay:
– Transportation Security Incidents to the local COTP via the Sector Command Center.
– Breach of Security to the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802.
– Cyber-specific threats to the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration System at (888) 282-0870.
Maritime Security (MARSEC) level remains at Level I.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin on January 4, 2020 that will expire on January 18, 2020 at 13:00 that can be found in its entirety at: https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-january-4-2020.
For further information, contact:
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2544 or 2209 National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802 National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration System: (888) 282-0870
