Presented by Carahsoft
Vice Admiral Heidi Berg, Commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, outlined how the Navy is modernizing its cyber infrastructure and strengthening resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. During her conversation at Sea-Air-Space, Berg emphasized that the maritime domain now operates in a constant threat environment where adversaries are persistently scanning networks and searching for vulnerabilities.
Berg explained that one of the Navy’s biggest challenges is overcoming technological debt created by aging legacy systems. Modern cyber defense requires architectures that can be updated rapidly, monitored continuously, and integrated with advanced security tools capable of detecting and responding to evolving threats. She highlighted the Navy’s efforts to modernize both shore-based and afloat networks through initiatives such as Flank Speed and the Navy Afloat Cloud Architecture.
A key focus of the discussion was the Navy’s implementation of zero trust architecture. Berg stressed that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as an optional technical requirement. Instead, it must become part of the broader warfighting culture throughout the force. Multi-factor authentication, layered defenses, and strict access controls are now essential operational requirements for protecting classified systems, weapon systems, and operational data.
Berg also discussed how the Navy is learning from real-world cyber operations and exercises. She referenced operations conducted within SOUTHCOM as examples of how the military is refining cyber tactics, improving operational integration, and strengthening partnerships across combatant commands. Looking ahead, she identified artificial intelligence, deepfakes, quantum computing, and information warfare as some of the biggest future challenges shaping cyber operations.
Key Takeaways