Title: Cybersecurity policies and supporting regulations for maritime transportation system in the USA

Authors: Ian B. Finley; Nicholas Harkiolakis

Addresses: School of Business and Technology, Northcentral University, 2488 Historic Decatur Rd., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92106, USA ' School of Business, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, L69 3BX, UK

Abstract: A commonly accepted framework for the development of policies and supporting regulations that address cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats seems to be missing both domestically in the USA and in terms of international collaboration amongst maritime stakeholders. This research aimed at establishing the actions that would allow commonly accepted and established cybersecurity policies and regulations for the maritime transportation system (MTS) and the critical infrastructure connected to it. A multiple case-study design was adopted and in-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved with 12 US Coast Guard operational commanders. The results of the study suggest the need for greater collaborations among interested parties at the national (US Coast Guard, port authorities, etc.) and international level (International Maritime Organization, United Nations, etc.) for the establishment of mutually accepted cybersecurity as well as among private industries for sharing cyber intrusion data and protection best practices.

Keywords: maritime security; US Coast Guard; cybersecurity; critical infrastructure; maritime transportation system; MTS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2018.090954

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2018 Vol.9 No.2, pp.89 - 108

Received: 03 Jun 2017
Accepted: 07 Jul 2017

Published online: 04 Apr 2018 *

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