Cybersecurity Boost: Port of Long Beach Secures $2.6 Million FEMA Grant

Dina Youssef

FEMA

The Port of Long Beach, the nation’s second-busiest container gateway, has been awarded a significant $2.6 million grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding, a portion of FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program, aims to enhance the port’s critical infrastructure and support the secure flow of international trade.

The allocation will go towards improving cybersecurity defenses, enhancing drone detection capabilities, and upgrading essential network infrastructure, which supports the efficient movement of cargo through the Southern California hub. These upgrades are designed to protect one of the nation’s most vital trade gateways, which recently experienced record container volumes.

Specifically, the grant will enable the port to:

  • Implement advanced threat detection software: This will help identify and prevent cyberattacks that could disrupt port operations by monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and automatically blocking malicious intrusions.
  • Deploy a network of high-tech drone detectors: These detectors will provide comprehensive surveillance of the port area, identifying unauthorized drone activity and enhancing security by using radar and other sensors to detect and track drones, even in challenging environments.
  • Upgrade network infrastructure with enhanced security protocols: This will improve the speed and reliability of data transmission while safeguarding sensitive information by implementing stronger encryption and access controls to protect against data breaches.

In addition to this grant, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security have awarded $4.2 million to support security enhancements across six port terminals and assist the Long Beach Police Department’s Port Police Division and the Long Beach Fire Department.

“This investment from the Department of Homeland Security will advance our commitment to innovative security practices, ensuring the safe passage of goods valued at over $200 billion annually,” stated Mario Cordero, Chief Executive of the Port of Long Beach. He added that this funding would not only enhance existing security systems but also improve operational resilience in case of an emergency.

Bonnie Lowenthal, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, echoed these sentiments, noting that the grant will support the livelihoods of over 2.6 million individuals whose jobs are connected to the port’s activities. By reinforcing critical infrastructure, the funding will strengthen this crucial gateway for trans-Pacific trade.

The Port of Long Beach’s receipt of this grant underlines FEMA’s commitment to protecting U.S. ports and the essential role they play in the nation’s economy and security. For tailored logistics solutions related to these recent advancements, get a quote from Stellar Logistix.