GAO: DHS Should Include Cyber in Coast Guard, FEMA Programs

The Government Accountability Office has recommended the Department of Homeland Security include cybersecurity as an element in programs of the U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

GAO said in a testimony submitted Thursday to a House Committee on Homeland Security panel that DHS needs to bolster port cybersecurity in support of efforts to protect maritime critical infrastructure.

GAO told the subcommittee on border and maritime security that cyber risk should be part of the Coast Guard’s maritime risk assessment coverage and that FEMA should utilize cybersecurity subject-matter expertise to inform its port security grant program.

The audit agnecy said reliance of port operations on digital information and communications technologies calls for a comprehensive risk assessment of cyber vulnerabilities and their potential impact on operations.