Securing the Future | Modernizing Naval Operations | Building a Resilient Cyber Workforce

Presented by Infoblox Federal & Carahsoft

February 9, 2025

Securing the Future: How the Marine Corps is Enhancing Cyber Defense and Data Integrity

Shery Thomas, Cyber Technology Officer (CTO) at the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, discusses the Marine Corps' advancements in cybersecurity and network modernization. By unifying its enterprise network, the Corps has enhanced visibility, streamlined cybersecurity compliance, and improved risk management. Thomas shares that progress in Zero Trust architecture spans all seven pillars, with a focus on identity security and data integrity. He emphasizes integration of AI and automation ensures secure, resilient communication from the tactical edge to the enterprise, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making. As the Marine Corps moves into 2025, efforts will center on multi-partner integration and assured command and control, ensuring seamless collaboration across joint and allied forces. These advancements not only strengthen cyber defenses but also enhance operational effectiveness by delivering the right information at the right time to those who need it most.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Marine Corps’ unified enterprise network improves risk assessment, anomaly detection, and rapid response to cyber threats.
   
   
2. Key priorities include strengthening identity security with advanced authentication and ensuring accurate data classification and protection.
   
   
3. AI-driven automation optimizes network resiliency, bandwidth allocation, and secure data exchange, supporting real-time decision-making at the tactical edge.
   
   

Modernizing Naval Operations for a Digital Battlefield

Mark Senell, President at Infoblox Federal, highlights the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and multi-domain operations in modern naval warfare. AI is transforming decision-making, data analytics, and cybersecurity, enabling the Navy to enhance command and control while mitigating cyber threats. As naval operations become increasingly digital, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect mission-critical systems and communications. Additionally, the challenge of operating seamlessly across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace demands improved interoperability—both within the military and with allied partners. Senell shares that as the Navy advances its modernization efforts, collaboration with industry will be key to leveraging emerging technologies and maintaining mission readiness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Artificial intelligence enhances decision-making, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency, driving the Navy’s modernization.
   
   
2. As naval operations become more interconnected, safeguarding critical systems and data against cyber threats is paramount.
   
   
3. Seamless collaboration across military branches, allied forces, and different technology stacks is essential for mission success.

Building a Resilient Cyber Workforce to Protect Critical Defense Systems

Mark Gorak, Principal Director for Resources & Analysis at the Department of Defense (DoD), Office of the Chief Information Officer, discusses the DoD’s progress in strengthening the cyber workforce. Over the past year, they have successfully reduced hiring times from 156 days to 79, lowered vacancy rates, and established a dedicated office for cyber academic engagement. However, challenges remain, particularly in securing funding for long-term workforce development. Gorak emphasizes the need for cultural change in hiring practices, greater use of direct hire authorities, and pay parity to attract and retain top talent. With evolving technology and increasing cyber threats, the DoD is pushing forward with initiatives to streamline hiring, enhance training, and ensure the cyber workforce remains competitive and effective.

Key Takeaways:

1. The DoD reduced hiring time to 79 days and cut workforce vacancies from 20% to 16.8%, with a goal of further acceleration through skill-based hiring and streamlined clearance processes.
   
   
2. The use of financial incentives for recruitment and retention has increased significantly, leading to a higher retention rate for cyber roles compared to the overall civilian workforce.
   
   
3. The DoD updates cyber workforce requirements every 90 days to stay ahead of technological advancements, pushing academic institutions and training programs to keep pace.

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