Navy Installations Shift to Continuous Cybersecurity Model | WEST 2026

The U.S. Navy is transitioning to a continuous cybersecurity model, leveraging AI to prevent or significantly mitigate cyberattacks as it shifts from traditional risk management frameworks to the Cybersecurity Risk Management Construct. Shery Thomas, enterprise IT officer at Navy Installations Command (CNIC), discussed how the transition is unfolding at the command level. Thomas outlined CNIC's cybersecurity initiatives, including adopting a continuous observability and readiness model. He also addressed cultural hurdles in elevating cybersecurity to a "live" operational status and the steps the command is taking to overcome them. In addition, Thomas discussed supply chain security and how CNIC is leveraging AI to support autonomous deterrence capabilities. He emphasized the human dimension of technological change, including how new cybersecurity structures impact sailors and civilian personnel at Navy installations and the efforts underway to strengthen workforce awareness and accountability.