Cyberattacks on one of the world's busiest ports have nearly doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, says BBC News.

The number of monthly attacks targeting the Port of Los Angeles is now around 40 million, the port's executive director Gene Seroka said.

The threats are believed to come mainly from Europe and Russia, and aim to disrupt the U.S. economy, Seroka said. "We have to stay steps ahead of those who want to hurt international commerce," he told the BBC's World Service.

Seaports move billions of dollars in goods every year, making them a unique target for cyber criminals. They face daily ransomware, malware, spear phishing and credential harvesting attacks, with the aim of causing as much disruption as possible and slowing down economies.

The Port of Los Angeles is now working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's cyber-crime team to prevent attacks and improve cybersecurity. 

The port has invested millions of dollars in cyber protection, developing one of the world's first Cyber Resilience Centers, which is part of the FBI. It is a hub for the port to receive, analyze and share information with those who operate on the dock, such as cargo handlers and shipping lines.