With the U.S. Coast Guard’s final rule on cybersecurity now in effect, defense contractors, maritime operators, and critical infrastructure partners must move quickly to operationalize compliance. At MAD Security’s January 2026 Town Hall, Cliff Neve VP of Maritime Cybersecurity walked attendees through a practical, 90-day framework for aligning with the new regulation.
The session, designed for port operators, terminal leaders, and vessel owners, focused on realistic strategies; not theory. With enforcement already underway, organizations need clear direction to avoid audit findings, training violations, or worse operational shutdowns due to lack of preparedness.
MAD Security continues to lead from the front in helping the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and maritime operators meet evolving cyber mandates. Our January Town Hall was a working session focused on action, ownership, and results.
The Coast Guard’s Final Rule Is Active; Action Is RequiredThe Coast Guard has begun verifying cybersecurity training compliance and asking about cybersecurity plans even before full plan reviews begin. Delaying preparation, risks enforcement actions and operational disruption. “Compliance doesn’t fail organizations. Indecision does.” – Cliff Neve |
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You Can Build a Cybersecurity Plan in 90 DaysMAD Security’s recommended 90-day roadmap includes:
This phased approach emphasizes strategy first, execution second, and testing third—resulting in defensible compliance and operational readiness. |
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The CISO Role Matters Even if It’s Not Yet MandatedWhile the Coast Guard doesn’t require an official Cybersecurity Information Security Officer (CISO) until July 2027, Cliff emphasized that no organization could succeed without one now. Whether internal or outsourced, someone must own the strategy, lead the team, and speak confidently to assessors. |
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Inspectors Want a Real Story Not Just a BinderThe Coast Guard won’t review firewall rules or SOC logs. They want to know:
A clear, defensible story will earn inspector confidence. |
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Avoid Common PitfallsOrganizations that fail audits tend to:
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MAD Security is a CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP with a perfect SPRS score of 110, built specifically to serve the Defense Industrial Base. Here's what sets us apart:
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24/7 U.S.-based SOC staffed by cleared citizens in Huntsville, AL |
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Experts in NIST 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, and Coast Guard compliance |
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U.S.-based 24/7 Security Operations Center in Huntsville, Alabama |
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Seamless integration with your existing stack (Fortinet, Microsoft, etc.) |
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Veteran-owned and operated, mission-driven, and results-focused |
The Coast Guard isn’t waiting. Training deadlines have passed. Inspectors are active. And cybersecurity planning takes time. Organizations that delay risk:
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Failed inspections and findings |
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Operational impact or even shutdowns |
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Rushed implementations and costly rework |
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Loss of trust with partners and regulators |
By acting now, you’ll position your team to:
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Build stronger cyber maturity |
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Reduce stress during inspection |
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Avoid last-minute vendor scramble |
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Protect mission-critical operations |
Starting early also gives you time to test your plan through tabletop exercises and revise it based on real feedback.
MAD Security offers several no-cost resources to help you begin your compliance journey:
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Coast Guard Cybersecurity Plan Guidance for Maritime Operators |
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Let our team help you define scope, assign roles, and draft a defensible cybersecurity plan.
MAD Security’s January Town Hall reminded us that compliance is a journey; not a checkbox. With the Coast Guard’s new rule in play, waiting is no longer an option. By establishing leadership, defining scope, and acting early, your organization will not only meet regulatory demands but also strengthen operational resilience.
You are not alone. MAD Security stands ready to guide you through this transition every step of the way.
Original Publish Date: January 29, 2025
By: Maritime MAD Security