PORT OF LOS ANGELES EARNS 19 AWARDS FOR CYBER SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER, COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVES
American Association of Port Authorities Honors Port of LA with Information Technology Award and Overall Communications Award of Distinction
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — November 24, 2014 — The Port of Los Angeles has won the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 2014 Information Technology Award for its Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC). The Port also received the AAPA’s Overall Communications Award of Distinction and 17 other awards in individual categories for various Port public outreach related deliverables and initiatives.
“We’ve worked hard to make the Port’s Cyber Security Operations Center a state-of-the-art model for the industry,” said Los Angeles Port Police Chief Ronald J. Boyd. “We’re pleased to be recognized for our proactive approach and commitment to comprehensive information security monitoring and detection.”
The AAPA Information Technology Award highlights port technology accomplishments in the areas of port operations and management systems, as well as improvements in intermodal freight transportation. Established earlier this year, the Port’s CSOC serves as a technical nerve center for prevention, detection, and monitoring of and response to cyber security incidents targeting the Port’s computer systems and information.
In addition to winning the Overall Communications Award of Distinction, the Port received six individual awards in the communications “Excellence” category, three in the “Distinction” category, and eight “Awards of Merit.”
“A strong communications program is essential for keeping our stakeholder groups informed and connected,” said Cynthia Ruiz, the Port’s deputy executive director of external relations. “We sincerely appreciate the recognition signified by these awards for our communication efforts and initiatives.”
Port of Los Angeles communication programs honored in the “Excellence” category included:
School Boat Tour Program – Hosting 11,290 students last year, the Port’s free educational boat tour program for 5th and 6th graders in Los Angeles City schools provides students with an up-front perspective and in-depth look at the Port’s daily operations and the global maritime industry.
LAtitude – This high-quality, multi-media e-news magazine shares informative news stories about business trends at the port and how the port works with its customers, cargo owners and the industry at large to create win-win opportunities.
Mariners Guide – This easy-to-use pocket-size guide provides vital information for persons who pilot or operate commercial vessels and recreational craft in and around the Port, helping to assure a safer sailing environment.
TransPORTer – This customized, 53-foot fully-contained traveling mobile exhibit brings the story of the Port of Los Angeles to the greater Los Angeles region, teaching about the Port’s impact on the regional economy, environmental initiatives and other aspects of seaborne trade through the LA trade gateway.
LA Waterfront Magazine – This bilingual community publication informs approximately 65,000 residents and stakeholders about Port operations and developments, the redevelopment of the LA Waterfront as a regional visitor destination, and port related community events and activities.
All Hands on Deck – These 3-5 minute videos – which profile a different Port employee each week – help bridge the “information gap” that often occurs in large organizations. Distributed organization-wide, the videos allow Port employees at all levels to learn more about each other, both personally and professionally.
The annual AAPA Communications Awards Program has recognized excellence in port communications since 1966. The award competition includes 15 entry classifications, ranging from advertisements, to videos and magazines, to social media programs. Entries are judged by an independent panel of experienced communications professionals from the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) National Chapter in Washington, DC.