The DoD has established a cybersecurity program called Comply-to-Connect (C2C), and the Navy leads the way for DoD-wide implementation through its Next Generation Enterprise Networks (NGEN) program, increasing the readiness of critical terrestrial networks to support the missions at home. Another successful C2C implementation is showcased on the USNS Mercy, which provides cybersecurity to the full spectrum of US Cyber Command’s six categories of connected devices to ensure the ship’s mission readiness. The Navy needs to have a large-scale discussion on how to take the success of both NGEN’s and Mercy’s C2C implementations to pave the way for C2C across the entire fleet, both surface and sub-surface weapons platforms.
Comply-to-Connect’s foundational capabilities are provided by Forescout’s cybersecurity platform, which now includes Silent Defense – a comprehensive and fully integrated functionality for understanding and controlling industrial control systems. These systems make or break a ship’s readiness to set sail when ordered and carry out their assigned tasks, making cybersecurity of them paramount for mission success.