The Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC-LANT) and the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) operate in complementary roles to ensure national security and operational excellence within the Navy. NIWC Atlantic delivers cutting-edge information warfare solutions, encompassing a broad range of capabilities from communication and networking systems to cyber operations and information security. This technical prowess is critical in safeguarding and enhancing the Navy’s strategic communications and data integrity across various platforms. Simultaneously, CNIC is tasked with developing and maintaining Navy shore infrastructure as the Navy’s shore integrator. By managing ten regions, 71 installations, and 123 Naval Operations Support Centers, CNIC provides the necessary physical and organizational frameworks that support the Navy’s global operations. NIWC Atlantic and CNIC forge a strong alliance, with NIWC providing the technological edge and CNIC ensuring those capabilities are effectively embedded within a solid infrastructure. This synergy enhances the Navy’s operational capabilities and fortifies its position in maintaining national security through technological and infrastructural excellence.

NIWC faced the critical task of securing CNIC’s 90+ systems from evolving cyber threats and required a partner capable of identifying and mitigating risks across varying system sizes and complexities, maintaining ongoing cybersecurity support, obtaining timely system authorization renewals, and reporting on status and priorities at the Echelon II level. CNIC’s diverse and complex systems required close coordination and guidance with system owners for cybersecurity activities, including providing status updates and setting priorities.

TIAG’s team worked with NIWC to authorize global systems of varying sizes and complexities, ensuring their security and modernizing the infrastructure to maximize mission performance. The team worked to authorize global systems of various sizes and complexities, ensuring modernized and secure infrastructure for optimal mission performance. TIAG assessed existing technologies, identified security risks, and provided actionable recommendations to CNIC and Navy authorities. By establishing streamlined processes to track progress and address potential issues proactively, TIAG created an event-based schedule and resource tracker to support the 6-step Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities. Regular meetings with stakeholders and Echelon II representatives facilitated clear communication and ensured a rigorous approach to the project.

TIAG’s partnership with NIWC has led to transformative improvements in cybersecurity practices, setting new standards for securing complex Navy systems and providing CNIC with the tools and support necessary for continued success. Within six months, 12 systems received authorization, with additional systems nearing completion. CNIC can now efficiently monitor and adjust staffing through the graphical resource tracker, optimizing team performance and reducing bottlenecks. NIWC and CNIC customers have praised TIAG’s accomplishments and are requesting assistance with additional duties due to the successful outcomes. The project’s results include improved cybersecurity, enhanced mission performance, and increased confidence in CNIC’s ability to protect its systems from threats.