U.S. Coast Guard Establishes Maritime Cybersecurity Policy Office
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard created the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy to set maritime cyber policy, coordinate compliance and enforcement, and liaise with industry and government. The move follows a GAO report identifying gaps, though a direct link was not stated.
Key points
- The Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy (CG-MCP) will serve as the Coast Guard’s central authority for Marine Transportation System cyber safety and security policy.
- The office will develop domestic policy, contribute to international standards, and direct a coordinated cybersecurity compliance and enforcement strategy.
- It will liaise with maritime industry and government partners and monitor emerging technologies and techniques for managing cyber risk.
- The office was established amid increased information and operational technology use in the maritime sector, which the Coast Guard says brings added risks to critical infrastructure.
- A February 2025 GAO report identified gaps in incident information, access to inspection findings, strategy alignment, and cybersecurity personnel competencies.
- The Coast Guard did not say whether the new office was directly related to the GAO findings.
Article Details
- Event Type
- The US Coast Guard established the Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy (CG-MCP) to coordinate maritime cybersecurity policy, compliance, and engagement with industry and government partners.
- Impact
- The office is intended to strengthen cybersecurity policy and oversight for the Marine Transportation System amid growing cyber risks associated with increased use of information and operational technology. The Coast Guard did not say whether the office was directly related to shortcomings identified in a February 2025 Government Accountability Office report.