According to a port news release, the grant was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program.
A total of $90 million was awarded nationwide, with 15 grant awards going to port communities in the state.
“Cybersecurity is a top priority at the Port of Anacortes, and this grant enables us to continue safeguarding our network and information,” Anthony Esposito, the port’s information technology manager, said in the release. “As a public agency responsible for maintaining critical public infrastructure, we must protect these assets and prevent any compromise.”
The release states that the port has a strong track record in its commitment to cybersecurity.
In 2022, the port voluntarily participated in a security assessment led by the Coast Guard, becoming one of the first agencies in the country to undergo the evaluation.
The port’s grant funding will pay for a three-year service contract with a network monitoring and security system.
According to the release, this is the second time the port has received a grant through this program to fund such software. The release said the software has been a key component of the port’s cybersecurity strategy since 2021, offering advanced threat detection and response capabilities.
The release states that along with the software the port employs a multilayered defense system to safeguard its data and network against threats.
It also has a robust prevention and training program, where staff regularly participate in cybersecurity awareness training to ensure they can identify and respond to potential threats.
©2024 the Skagit Valley Herald, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
