The U.S. Navy has released its long-awaited cyber strategy, aiming to overhaul its digital efforts after facing personnel and readiness challenges. This strategy builds upon the Navy Cyberspace Superiority Vision released last year, emphasizing seven key areas to strengthen the Navy’s cyber posture.
These areas include securing critical infrastructure and weapon systems, supporting the cyber workforce, conducting cyber operations, defending enterprise IT, data, and networks, securing the defense industrial base, and fostering cooperation and collaboration. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro emphasized a focus on enhancing the cyber enterprise and collaborating with allies.
The strategy, devised by the Navy’s principal cyber advisor and chief information officer, aims to prioritize the defense of the Navy’s cyber enterprise and data while actively engaging in cyber operations globally. The document acknowledges that the Navy has fallen behind other armed service branches in cybersecurity and outlines a commitment to catching up by fostering cooperation, collaboration, and partnerships.
Chris Cleary, the outgoing principal cyber advisor, stated that the Navy’s strategy is centered on achieving warfighting excellence within cyberspace, recognizing the need to address challenges and move more aggressively in cyber defense efforts. The Navy’s cyber strategy aligns with the broader U.S. Department of Defense cyber strategy.