Port of Anacortes awarded $77,000 grant to strengthen cybersecurity

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September 12, 2024 | News

PRESS RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Port of Anacortes awarded $77,000 grant to strengthen cybersecurity

ANACORTES, WA – The Port of Anacortes was recently awarded a $77,000 grant to enhance cybersecurity measures across its operations.

This grant was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). A total of $90 million was awarded nationwide, with 15 of these awards going to port communities in Washington state.

“Cybersecurity is a top priority at the Port of Anacortes, and this grant enables us to continue safeguarding our network and information,” said Anthony Esposito, the Port’s Information Technology Manager. “As a public agency responsible for maintaining critical public infrastructure, we must protect these assets and prevent any compromise.”

The Port has a strong track record in its commitment to cybersecurity. In 2022, the Port voluntarily participated in a security assessment led by the U.S. Coast Guard, becoming one of the first agencies in the nation to undergo the evaluation, further highlighting its strong cybersecurity posture.

The Port is using this grant to continue supporting its cybersecurity efforts. Grant dollars will fund a three-year service contract with a network monitoring and security system. This is the second time the Port has secured a PSGP grant to fund this software, which has been a key component of its cybersecurity strategy since 2021, offering advanced threat detection and response capabilities.

Along with this software, the Port employs a multi-layered defense system to safeguard its data and network against threats. It also has a robust prevention and training program, where staff regularly participate in cybersecurity awareness training to ensure they can identify and respond to potential threats.

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The Port of Anacortes was formed in 1926 to promote economic development for Anacortes and the surrounding area. The Port district is led by a board of five elected Commissioners: Bonnie Bowers, Jon Petrich, Kathy Pittis, Jon Ronngren, and Shawn Ottenbreit. Public meetings are held the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Port Administrative Office, 317 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA. For more information, visit www.portofanacortes.com.