Enhancing Physical and Cybersecurity Convergence in Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Port Facility Security Operations

Authors

  • Ayomipo Ewuola   Nigeria LNG Ltd

Keywords:

Enhancing Physical, Cybersecurity Convergence, Critical Infrastructure, Insights, Port Facility, Security Operations

Abstract

The convergence of physical and cybersecurity has become a critical imperative for safeguarding complex and interconnected critical infrastructure systems. Port facilities, as strategic nodes in global supply chains, are increasingly exposed to both cyber and physical threats that often manifest in hybrid forms. With the digitalization of operational technology (OT) and integration of smart systems, the attack surface has expanded, requiring a unified approach to security. This explores the practical implementation of physical-cybersecurity convergence within port facility security operations, offering novel models and tools tailored to the demands of high-risk and high-complexity environments. Drawing on case studies and stakeholder insights from global port operations, this study presents a series of integrated models, including the Integrated Threat Management Platform (ITMP), Unified Access Governance Model (UAGM), and Anomaly Correlation Engine (ACE), designed to synchronize physical security controls with cybersecurity measures. It introduces the Physical-Cyber Fusion Center (PCFC) as an organizational framework for real-time threat coordination, combining the capabilities of IT, OT, and physical security personnel under a centralized command. The study further outlines an implementation roadmap, emphasizing phased deployment, stakeholder collaboration, cross-domain training, and policy alignment. Key challenges such as technological fragmentation, legacy systems, organizational silos, and human factors are examined, alongside mitigation strategies that highlight the importance of governance, capacity building, and innovation. The findings underscore the strategic value of security convergence in enhancing threat visibility, accelerating incident response, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This concludes by advocating for a forward-looking approach that integrates artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and shared intelligence platforms to enable adaptive and resilient security postures. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on critical infrastructure protection, offering actionable insights for port operators, security professionals, and policymakers aiming to strengthen defenses in an increasingly hybrid threat landscape.

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

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2022-09-15

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Volume 9, Issue 5, September-October-2022

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Research Articles

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[1]
Ayomipo Ewuola "Enhancing Physical and Cybersecurity Convergence in Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Port Facility Security Operations" International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology(IJSRST), Online ISSN : 2395-602X, Print ISSN : 2395-6011,Volume 9, Issue 5, pp.769-789, September-October-2022.