Securing the Surface: TSA's Role in Pipeline and Transportation Security with Sonya Proctor

Cyber Focus

In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Sonya Proctor, Assistant Administrator for Surface Operations at TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Proctor discusses TSA's evolving role in securing pipelines and other surface transportation sectors, emphasizing the agency's expanded cybersecurity focus following the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. The conversation delves into TSA's partnerships with industry, other federal agencies, and state and local law enforcement to enhance critical infrastructure protection, as well as the challenges and opportunities in integrating physical and cyber security efforts.

Main Topics Covered:

• TSA's role in pipeline and surface transportation security
• The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and its impact
• Integration of physical and cyber security for critical infrastructure
• Collaborations with federal and industry partners
• Challenges with operational technology (OT)

Key Quotes:

"[The general public does] not typically think of TSA as having a role for pipeline security. And actually, TSA role in pipeline security goes back to the beginning of TSA." - Sonya Proctor

"I have no question that we are in this together. This is one fight. Because this threat is unlike anything they've ever seen before." - Sonya Proctor

"Our resources will grow along with the threat... They have to."- Sonya Proctor

"I was fortunate to have a relationship with [Colonial Pipeline] and to be able to communicate with them and to be able to get information from them that we were then able to share with other companies." - Sonya Proctor

"We have provided classified briefings to more operators than ever in the in the history of TSA... it was important for us to make sure that they understood the threat. - Sonya Proctor

Relevant Links and Resources:

• DHS 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment
• Recent cybersecurity advisories from TSA and DHS

Guest Bio: Sonya Proctor is the Assistant Administrator for Surface Operations at TSA, overseeing the security of pipelines, mass transit, freight rail, and highways. She previously served as Director of the Surface Division in Policy, Plans, and Engagement, and Deputy Federal Security Director at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Proctor started her law enforcement career with the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and also served as Chief of Police for the Amtrak Police Department.