Related Security Reports
The merger of information systems technology and transportation infrastructure is transforming the freight transportation industry in a variety of ways, including new ways to organize companies’ supply chains as well as military logistics. As the new freight information systems become more fully integrated, they are expected to have great private and public benefits. These systems, however, may be vulnerable to cyberattack by terrorists or saboteurs. In accordance with the national initiative to increase security of critical infrastructure, USDOT requested an examination of this issue and advice on how to best inform the development of federal policy. A committee convened by TRB and the Computer Sciences and Telecommunications Board recommended a study design that USDOT or the Department of Homeland Security could follow to assess this issue and mitigate risk (Special Report 274: Cybersecurity of Freight Information Systems: A Scoping Study, 2003).
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e merger of information systems technology and transportation infrastructure is transforming the freight transportation industry in a variety of ways, including new ways to organize companies’ supply chains as well as military logistics. As the new freight information systems become more fully integrated, they are expected to have great private and public benefits. These systems, however, may be vulnerable to cyberattack by terrorists or saboteurs. In accordance with the national initiative to increase security of critical infrastructure, USDOT requested an examination of this issue and advice on how to best inform the development of federal policy. A committee convened by TRB and the Computer Sciences and Telecommunications Board recommended a study design that USDOT or the Department of Homeland Security could follow to assess this issue and mitigate risk ().
Federal officials and industry leaders have recently focused national attention on the security of U.S. seaports and posed serious questions about how best to prevent future terrorist incidents in and around these facilities. Equally important, however, are questions about U.S. capabilities to respond adequately to a terrorist incident should one occur. A Marine Board committee examined the ability of navy and private salvage operators to respond to two simultaneous incidents that result in sunken vessels blocking channels that serve major ports. The committee’s report suggested technical and policy issues that need to be addressed to enhance readiness and avoid major economic losses (Conference Proceedings 30: Marine Salvage Capabilities: Responding to Terrorist Attacks in U.S. Ports—Actions to Improve Readiness, 2004).