Maritime Security and Cyber Terrorism

Final Assignment: Short Essay Questions
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Final Assignment: Short Essay Questions
Essay One
Maritime points and operations are some of the core areas for security. Globally, maritime cargoes and vessels are increasingly targeted by criminals and terrorists. The marine systems have inherent vulnerabilities because they constitute entry and exit points and travel activities that criminals would likely take advantage of, given their international trade and security role. Various measures have been advanced to promote security and minimize security risks or vulnerabilities at ports and other core maritime facilities, areas, and facilities.
Maritime security is guided by various international codes used as a blueprint to establish measures responding to security vulnerabilities. These codes, among other things, provide guidance on surveillance, training security personnel, establishing critical legislation, and enhancing cooperation in maritime security matters. These codes include the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the Port facility security plan (PFSP), and the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. Each of these has its strengths weaknesses due to its area of focus. Lack of collaboration and cooperation amongst various stakeholders could derail the implementation of various codes.
Fists, human personnel oversee and control security operations and maintenance of maritime facilities, including FSOs. Facility security officers (FSO) are under the auspices of homeland-security professionals. FSO was established in 2003. This transition was a remarkable change in 2003 where men and women who held different titles assume new titles of facility security officers (FSOs) at the port and maritime facilities in the U.S.
As the human resource personnel in maritime systems, the FSOs are charged with various security measures that are mean to secure maritime spaces and systems. FSOs are expected to develop and implement revision and maintenance of ports and control or manage security-related functions. FSO monitors, evaluate, oversee, and determine the effectiveness of modern technologies in maritime systems. Besides, it confirms and checks whether all the security teams are conversant with up-to-date threats and have sufficient competency in mounting effective responses to potential security threats such as terror attacks. The FSO must oversee facility vulnerability assessments, the system security plan development, and the approval process. It also revolves around the implementation of the plan and the facility’s annual audit. He or she also must ensure that security drills and exercises are conducted regularly and effectively. It also entails ensuring that security records are stored in line with time and security sensitivity considerations.
Second, there are critical legislations that have been passed in response to terror attacks and to prevent further security attacks. Such legislations were accompanied by policies and practices in the maritime industry. In response to the 9/11 attacks, Maritime Transportation Security Act, which focuses primarily on maritime security, was ...