or Strength Through Knowledge, conveys the same mes- sage. These are certainly true in the case of maritime security, as well. Mitigating natural and man-made threats in the maritime domain using digital solutions is becoming increasingly more important. These tools put the power of data-driven optimization, and knowledge, in the hands of maritime security leaders. Asking “Why?” can be an essential first step in the pursuit of security excellence. By focusing on an end result that is designed to create both operational and security benefits, end users can do more than simply check boxes toward compliance. The power of machine learning and artificial intelligence offers the maritime security industry an opportunity to gauge the effective- ness of its overall security or response plans, as well as the individual systems, staff, and procedures. A knowl- edge-based approach to security management is criti- cally important to ensure that security information does not become just another cumbersome stockpile of data. The maritime industry continues rapidly evolv- ing, and connectivity is a key component of success in security operations, threat intelligence, and incident response. Driving operational efficiencies and lowering costs, while maintaining or improving security effective- ness, is a realistic goal—particularly when digital tools are employed. The most important part of any organization is its people. And as the world around us has demonstrated, today’s workforce is dynamic. As retention, recruitment, retirement, and diversity challenges continue, it is more critical than ever to adapt to preferred learning styles. Adult-learning research tells us that providing on- demand, readily accessible training through a learning management system is critical to achieving an organiza- tion’s goals. Digital training tools can ensure that mari- time security professionals will have what they need, when and where they need it. Digital tools also allow for opportunities to optimize training by creating a more accessible, affordable, and adaptable training environ- ment that maximizes the people part of the equation. Conclusion So, what is the ‘secret sauce’ with regard to achieving a maritime security advantage? It includes, but is not limited to: • investing in a digital twin to serve as the baseline for digital growth • applying digital decision support tools, and quantitative analysis, to enhance security readiness • employing software solutions to essential security tasks, including vulnerability assessments and exercises Fundamental Aspects of Maritime Security Connectivity There are some fundamental aspects of connectivity that apply to maritime security: • connectivity enhances readiness and resiliency • access to information enhances opportunities to succeed • remaining current with events, threats, and dynamic changes in the maritime environment is an essential element of a comprehensive security strategy It is hard to argue with the reasoning that a more secure and resilient port is a more valuable one. Mitigating risks and optimizing security posture cre- ates value. Digitalization represents a clear path toward reduced cost, optimized security, and the ability to continually verify and validate that proposed security investments have been optimized to achieve the desired results. Using data analytics to support risk-informed, cost-effective, and quantifiable improvements in secu- rity will become the hallmarks of a smart port. Data- based decision making has always driven continual, incremental improvement, and security initiatives are no exception. America’s ports can get “smarter,” in how they con- duct security operations, train their people, do vulner- ability assessments, and conduct exercises through digitalization and the application of machine learning. It is time to consider pursuing digital initiatives that impact the fence line, as well as the bottom line. About the authors: Luke Ritter is senior vice president for maritime solutions at ARES Security Corporation. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a former surface warfare officer, and the co-author of Securing Global Transportation Networks (McGrawHill). Mark DuPont (USCG ret) is the executive director of the National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA), and formerly Florida FWC’s chief intelligence and domestic security officer. NMLEA hosts the Maritime Security Digitalization & Accreditation Program. Endnotes: 1. www.porttechnology.org/news/what-is-a-smart-port/ 2. Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Definition of ‘digitize’. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/digitize 3. www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/digitalization#: ~:text=Digitalization%20is%20the%20use%20of,Scale%20and%20Lead%20 Digital%20Initiatives 4. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/nl/Documents/energy- resources/deloitte-nl-er-port-services-smart-ports.pdf 50 Proceedings Summer 2023