1 - What are 3 resources available to the port FSO in assessing domestic and international risks associated with terrorism and other criminal activity threats posed to port maritime operations?
The port Facility Security Officer (FSO) is required to assess domestic and international risks associated with terrorism, or other criminal activities. There are a number of resources available for use in making this assessment. First and foremost is the reports made by other security organizations in the country (Rosenzweig, & Kochems, 2005). In a world that is complex, the FSO must establish links with law enforcement agencies on information collected on security concerns. To have an effective assessment of the security risks that the country may face, it is important that the FSO gathers the data from these owners to evaluate knowable information as possible (Rosenzweig, & Kochems, 2005). Information sharing has become difficult in the modern days with much of the infrastructure existing in the hands of the private sector.
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Another major resource that is available to the port FSO is the availability of technology and human resources. In this case, the possibility of terrorism or other criminal activities on the country’s ports is an issue of critical concern. In this regard, the individual port FSO has numerous technologies that can appropriately decode the possibility of a domestic and international risk of crime taking place (Orosz et al., 2009). The technology includes drones that can be used to conduct a perimeter surveillance of the port and its waters to ensure that peculiar or unauthorized machines are not operating at a distance that could pose a threat to national security. Human resources include coast guard officers who may use boats and helicopters to ascertain the security threat in question.
The final major resources available for use by the port FSO is education. It is evident that knowledge is a critical factor in ensuring domestic and international security. The port officer will receive training on the risk management tools available at his request. In this regard, one is aware that the technologies and methodologies in place are not always perfect hence the need to incorporate experience in such practices. One should be able to discern the potential threat from the deviations created by criminals (Orosz et al., 2009). A clear understanding the significant targets in the maritime operations will also help recognize domestic and international risks of criminal activities.
2 - What is the role of the United States Coast Guard in port security operations?
The US Coast Guard is an important faction in the Department of Homeland Security and one of the five armed services in the country. At the core of the roles played by the US Coast Guard, is the protection of the environment, the public, and the economic and security interests of the country with the maritime regions from significant risk (Shieh et al., 2012). In this practice, the Coast Guard maintains these roles on international waters, the ports and coasts of the country, and the inland waterways. The federal institution has maintained a military character and capability since its inception in the late 18 th Century. Alexander Hamilton identified the importance of a maritime presence at the ports to ensure the adherence of the law in these areas. They have also been used in maritime conflict to support other armed services of the government (Shieh et al., 2012). Their involvement ensured extensive dominance in wars like in World War II by securing Greenland from German invasions.
In port security, the US Coast Guard ensures that eradicates risks of death, injuries, and property damage usually associated with the maritime activities such as fishing, recreational boating, and transportation among others. The prevention strategies will demand that the military service establishes a significant vessel standard for recreational purposes, provides licenses to commercial shipping companies, conducts international ice patrol to protect ships that travel through North Atlantic lanes, and provides education to the public on the same (Shieh et al., 2012). The coast guard also represents the country in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that engages in preventive measures against pollution, increases shipping safety, training in maritime security, and ensures certification standards worldwide. Through practices of educating the public and setting vessel standards for recreation, the US Coast Guard takes an active role in the reducing the risk of injuries or loss of life. In this practice, the military service also approves safety equipment that should be used in recreational boating practices (Shieh et al., 2012). This is intended to minimize the possible harm on the life of individuals.
3 - What is Cyber terrorism and how does it threaten port security operation?
Cyber terrorism is a criminal activity where an individual uses the internet to commit violent acts that may threaten loss of life or bodily harm. The primary intention of these actions is to achieve political gain through intimidation. The age of the internet has brought about significant benefits not only to the individual country but also to the global society (Stelter, 2015). The high speed communication and interaction has expanded the rate of globalization. However, this incidence has created major challenges to the society as there is a major risk of disruption of a country’s economy. Through cyber terrorism, a group or individuals with malicious intentions may cause deliberate and large-scale disruption of computer networks especially personal computers that are connected to the internet (Stelter, 2015). The modern society is highly dependent on the internet making it easier for cyber terrorists to strike an attack.
Port security operations are at a great risk of cyber terrorism. It is evident that the ports provide nearly $3.15 trillion in business activity that greatly benefits the US economy. Additionally, more than 2 billion tons of domestic, export and import cargo must pass through US ports (Stelter, 2015). In this regard, physical protection and maintaining high standards of cybersecurity is a great concern to the country. The 9/11 terror attacks was an eye opener on the significant practices that the government should undertake in enhancing domestic security. More than $2.5 billion has been spent on physical security components. It is only until recently that the US Coast Guard began to discuss the cybersecurity standards and the need to make improvements to enhance security. Cyber terrorism could result in a massive breakdown of the US economy as any disruptions on the US ports significantly affect the ability to continue with business as usually (Stelter, 2015). The cost of living in the country will drastically rise leading to starvation and potential death of numerous individuals.
4 - In considering Port Facilities, what are the unique safety challenges posed to port facility infrastructure and port facility operations?
The American homeland has been exposed to its vulnerability against terrorism following the 9/11 attacks. Numerous terror groups have expressed their intention to pursue violent actions towards the country a clear indicator that immediate attention from the authorities. The Department of Homeland Security should be most concerned as such threats may lead to mass casualties, spread of fear and anxiety among citizens, and could incur extensive economic damage (Bakir, 2007). The maritime borders of the country have various critical sites that could be potential targets and create safety challenges for the port officers. The ports serve as a unique cause for vulnerability. The federal government requires continued practice of trade with major countries around the world. However, numerous incidences have shown the increase sum of cargo sold significantly increases the risk of a terror attack. Biological poisons could be transported and easily spread throughout the country.
The nuclear arsenal of the country is also located in the maritime borders of the country. The expansive use of the internet makes the country vulnerable to cyber terrorism. In this case, the malicious groups may take control of the nuclear weapons, which are the most advanced in the world making the US unable to defend itself. The presence of the US Navy in the maritime borders also increases the safety challenges of the country (Bakir, 2007). It is evident that if enemy ships were to intercept the navy’s ships in its course they could inherit an extensive arsenal capable of attacking numerous large countries. The navy may be used to introduce contraband and illegal arms into the country increasing possibility of violent and criminal activity.
References
Bakir, N. O. (2007). A brief analysis of threats and vulnerabilities in the maritime domain. In Managing Critical Infrastructure Risks (pp. 17-49). Springer, Dordrecht.
Orosz, M. D., Southwell, C., Barrett, A., Bakir, O., Chen, J., & Maya, I. (2009). PortSec: Port Security Risk Management and Resource Allocation System. IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 42 (15), 135-142.
Rosenzweig, P. & Kochems, A. (2005) Risk Assessment and Risk Management: Necessary Tools for Homeland Security . The Heritage Foundation, Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/homeland-security/report/risk-assessment-and-risk-management-necessary-tools-homeland-security
Shieh, E., An, B., Yang, R., Tambe, M., Baldwin, C., DiRenzo, J., ... & Meyer, G. (2012). Protect: A deployed game theoretic system to protect the ports of the United States. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems-Volume 1 (pp. 13-20). International Foundation for Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems.
Stelter, L. (2015) Securing the Nation’s Ports Against Cyberterrorism . Homeland Security, Retrieved from https://inhomelandsecurity.com/securing-the-nations-ports-against-cyberterrorism/
