A Cybersecurity strategy for the Colombian port infrastructure

Abstract

In light of the global maritime context and Colombia’s significant reliance on maritime shipping, which constitutes approximately 98.8 % of its foreign trade, with 98.2 % of imported goods primarily transported in containers (DIMAR, 2020), it is imperative to embrace technologies such as single windows for online procedures and payments of port services, electronic document man- agement, and communications of strategic importance to the nation. Additionally, the implemen- tation of automatic cargo handling systems and operational automation, inherently carrying cyber risks, is crucial and approached from the perspective of port infrastructure as a critical nations asset. Within this framework, this article aims to propose a cybersecurity strategy for Colombian port in- frastructure, comparing it with other cybersecurity strategies in the global maritime sector. A qual- itative methodology was employed for information selection, utilizing academic repositories and web search engines to identify cybersecurity strategies developed by countries such as the United States. The article is structured into four subsections covering the international scope, global port infrastructure, associated cyber risks, and finally, the Colombian Port Cybersecurity Strategy. The conclusion underscores the challenges posed by strategy implementation and the involvement of diverse organizations engaged in port and maritime operations as critical hurdles that the nation must address for the prevention of cyberterrorism in this vital infrastructure.