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Jaxport to launch maritime cyber-security centre

The Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) has partnered with the non-profit Maritime Transportation System Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (MTS-ISAC) to form a new cyber-security information sharing cooperative.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

September 17, 2021

1 Min Read
Cyber hacker in mask
Photo: Unsplash

The new initiative is dubbed the Northeast Florida Maritime Information Exchange (NEFL-MIX).

NEFL-MIX members will work together locally, and with other MTS-ISAC stakeholders from around the globe, to address cybersecurity preparedness, a national priority initiative of the US Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Captain of the Port.

Formed in February 2020, MTS-ISAC has seen rapid adoption of its cybersecurity information sharing services. The NEFL-MIX is the fourth Cybersecurity Information Exchange to launch in 2021 and is the first in the state of Florida. 

The programme brings together Jaxport tenants, vessel operators, rail and intermodal stakeholders, key vendors, and local public sector organisations to collaboratively address cyber risks through information sharing.

“Cybersecurity is a critical part of supply chain security,” said Jaxport CEO Eric Green. “We are thrilled to launch this important initiative to protect our maritime community from cyber threats and ensure that our port-related businesses can continue to do the important work they do to keep cargo moving and people working throughout Northeast Florida.”

Jaxport is the 10th busiest container port in the US  and one of the nation’s top vehicle-handling ports.

“Jaxport is a founding member of the MTS-ISAC. They have been influential in the design of our Information Exchange program and an active contributor to our ISAC since inception, so it’s rewarding to see the NEFL-MIX become reality,” said Christy Coffey, VP of Operations for the MTS-ISAC.

Related:Cyberattack or coincidence?

“This busy port has included a diverse group of stakeholders in their cybersecurity information exchange. We know that under JAXPORT’s thoughtful leadership, the NEFL-MIX will positively impact both cybersecurity preparedness and response.”

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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