The United States sounded the alarm after discovering a special function inside taps from China.
The US Coast Guard warns that Chinese port cranes have "built-in vulnerabilities" that provide the PRC with remote access to the control system.
Cranes made by Chinese state-owned companies account for about 80% of the gantry cranes used to load and unload containers in U.S. ports. The document emphasizes the high prevalence of Chinese-made cranes in the United States and intelligence data on China's attempts to disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure.
Earlier, the US Congress published a report that the Chinese company ZPMC, which occupies most of the market for such cranes, poses serious risks to the country's safety. The report mentions the firm's active involvement in the militarization of the South China Sea. Lawmakers warn that these cranes could be used as a "Trojan horse," allowing Beijing to manipulate U.S. maritime technology and equipment.
Owners and operators of such cranes are invited to request instructions with detailed recommendations from local Coast Guard offices. It remains unknown what steps are planned to limit the remote functionality of Chinese cranes, which play a key role in the operation of ports. The Coast Guard declined to comment on the matter.
It is worth noting that some in the industry are reluctant to use the cybersecurity resources offered by the Coast Guard, which increases the risk to the complex system of U.S. waterways. A report by the Department of Homeland Security indicated that only 36% of private operators had sought support from the Coast Guard's cyber defense teams.
The document also refers to the lack of personnel and resources necessary to protect the maritime transport system, which remains vulnerable to threats of operation and failure of cyber systems.
Concerns about Chinese influence over America's infrastructure are growing amid tensions between Washington and Beijing, especially in the context of a possible conflict over Taiwan. American officials note the need to strengthen security at strategic facilities, such as ports, which play a key role in the country's economy.
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The US Coast Guard warns that Chinese port cranes have "built-in vulnerabilities" that provide the PRC with remote access to the control system.
Cranes made by Chinese state-owned companies account for about 80% of the gantry cranes used to load and unload containers in U.S. ports. The document emphasizes the high prevalence of Chinese-made cranes in the United States and intelligence data on China's attempts to disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure.
Earlier, the US Congress published a report that the Chinese company ZPMC, which occupies most of the market for such cranes, poses serious risks to the country's safety. The report mentions the firm's active involvement in the militarization of the South China Sea. Lawmakers warn that these cranes could be used as a "Trojan horse," allowing Beijing to manipulate U.S. maritime technology and equipment.
Owners and operators of such cranes are invited to request instructions with detailed recommendations from local Coast Guard offices. It remains unknown what steps are planned to limit the remote functionality of Chinese cranes, which play a key role in the operation of ports. The Coast Guard declined to comment on the matter.
It is worth noting that some in the industry are reluctant to use the cybersecurity resources offered by the Coast Guard, which increases the risk to the complex system of U.S. waterways. A report by the Department of Homeland Security indicated that only 36% of private operators had sought support from the Coast Guard's cyber defense teams.
The document also refers to the lack of personnel and resources necessary to protect the maritime transport system, which remains vulnerable to threats of operation and failure of cyber systems.
Concerns about Chinese influence over America's infrastructure are growing amid tensions between Washington and Beijing, especially in the context of a possible conflict over Taiwan. American officials note the need to strengthen security at strategic facilities, such as ports, which play a key role in the country's economy.
Source
