The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is improving maritime cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific by partnering with the Government of Indonesia under initiatives supported by the U.S. Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and U.S. Department of Defense Threat Reduction Agency programs. The agreement enhances the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership designed to fortify cybersecurity measures and safeguard maritime critical infrastructure against cyber intrusions and attacks. Additionally, it seeks to boost the security and resilience of the international maritime transportation system.
The collaboration built upon Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas’ priority is to enhance close cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region with focused discussions on protocols for incident response, information sharing, and the identification of future bilateral cooperation to mitigate current and emerging cyber threats to critical maritime infrastructure.
In a joint effort with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the Indonesian government, and various Indonesian maritime port authorities, DHS conducted a tabletop exercise and workshop. This initiative focused on amplifying maritime cybersecurity and enhancing incident response capabilities throughout Indonesia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
“The maritime transportation system is a vital lifeline for global trade and commerce,” Rob Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy, said in a media statement. “This exercise allowed us to stress test cyber incident response plans with Indonesian counterparts, as well as identify areas where we can collaborate more closely to secure the maritime domain from cyber threats.”
“By sharing information, technology, and know-how, the United States and Indonesia will be able to successfully address marine and cyber challenges,” Jonathan Alan, Consul General stated. “Exercises like this help not only strengthen our technical capabilities but forge invaluable future partnerships, and the United States looks forward to building on these important exchanges.”
“Cyber threats in the maritime environment continue to grow more sophisticated and pernicious,” said Jon Kennedi, director of the Indonesian Directorate of Sea and Coast Guard. “Confronting these threats requires a comprehensive approach that integrates operational coordination, capacity building, and the sharing of risk information across governments and industry stakeholders.”
“The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was honored to collaborate with our U.S. Federal Government partners and the Government of Indonesia during this week’s maritime cyber incident response tabletop exercise and workshop,” Steven Harris, deputy executive assistant director for infrastructure security at the CISA, said. “This joint exercise underscores the importance of international planning and collaboration to strengthen our cyber defenses and ensure the resilience of our maritime infrastructure. Together we are better prepared and equipped to tackle cyber threats and ensure the safety and security of global maritime activities.”
The Department’s Office of Policy and U.S. Embassy Jakarta coordinated the three days and led by the CISA and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Subject matter inputs came from other DHS entities including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of Intelligence & Analysis, and the Supply Chain Resilience Center.
Indonesian subject matter experts attended from Indonesia’s Ministry of Sea and Transportation (KPLP), Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), Customs, National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), Ministry of Defense, Indonesian National Police, Indonesia National Intelligence Agency, Surabaya Container Terminal, Tanjung Priok Port, Taluk Lamong Terminal, Pertamina Patra Niaga Terminal, Meratus Shipping, Pertamina International Shipping, AKR, Tanto Intim Line, and Recognized Security Organization (RSO).
Following the tabletop exercise, the U.S. Coast Guard facilitated a maritime cybersecurity workshop for public and private sector Indonesian maritime counterparts to share U.S. Coast Guard policies and best practices related to maritime cyber incident prevention and response. In particular, the U.S. Coast Guard outlined its efforts related to President Biden’s February 2024 Executive Order on Amending Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States.
Earlier this month, the CISA facilitated the federal government’s inaugural tabletop exercise with the private sector, focused on crafting effective, coordinated responses to AI security incidents. The simulation supports the creation of an AI Security Incident Collaboration Playbook led by JCDC.AI—a specialized division within the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) that aims to foster an operational community among AI providers, AI security vendors, and key infrastructure stakeholders. Also, the community-focused effort addresses emerging risks, threats, and vulnerabilities to AI-enabled systems within national critical infrastructure.
