Maritime Cybersecurity Compliance and Defense with MAD Security and Elastic

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Maritime Cyber Rules Are Here: Are You Ready to Comply?

Blue and White Modern Securing Digital Infrastructure Presentation-3 In this joint webinar from MAD Security and Elastic, cybersecurity leaders broke down the U.S. Coast Guard’s new Final Rule on Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System and what it means for regulated ports, vessels, and offshore facilities.

Hosted by Cliff Neve, MAD Security’s VP of Maritime Cybersecurity, the session tackled a critical question. How do you meet regulatory mandates while defending operational systems, including operational technology (OT), from increasingly aggressive cyber threats? Expert panelists included Scott Dickerson, the CEO of CISO LLC, and Kyle Rozanitis, Principal Solutions Architect with Elastic.

For maritime contractors and facility operators, this rule isn’t just about passing an assessment. It’s about preventing Transportation Security Incidents (TSIs), avoiding costly disruptions, and building a defensible cybersecurity posture grounded in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

The Coast Guard’s Final Rule Is Built on NIST and CISA Guidance

Published in January 2025 and enforced as of July 16, the Coast Guard’s rule extends MTSA compliance.

It requires:

	A designated Cybersecurity Officer (CySO)
	An updated Cybersecurity Plan
	Annual assessments of cyber risk
	Documented evidence of operational implementation

The rule is informed by:

	The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
	Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) published by CISA

This isn’t a checklist. It's a risk-driven framework that demands real operational security, not just paperwork.

OT Segmentation Is a Core Requirement

The Coast Guard emphasizes network segmentation to isolate OT systems such as propulsion, crane controls, and safety platforms from IT systems.

Without proper segmentation, a breach in an email server or workstation can cascade into critical OT environments. This increases the likelihood of a TSI.

"Flat networks are a major liability. Proper segmentation is like watertight compartments in a ship. One breach shouldn't sink the whole vessel."

— Cliff Neve

Training and Preparedness Are Mandatory

Organizations must train all personnel who interact with IT or OT systems.

The training must cover:

	Recognizing cyber threats
	Preventing unauthorized access
	Reporting incidents
	Role-specific risks and procedures

This includes contractors, part-time staff, and even non-digital roles with physical access to critical systems. Regular drills are also required to validate incident response plans.

Incident Reporting Is Now Regulated

Cyber events that compromise confidentiality, integrity, availability, or operations must be reported per the newly published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 02-24 Change 1.

This includes:

	Unauthorized OT access
	Major disruptions
	TSI-level events

Normal noise, such as spam or scanning, does not require reporting. However, judgment and preparation are key. Reports should be made to the National Response Center and DHS CISA, as applicable, per the NVIC change.

Elastic Enables Real-Time Compliance Visibility

Elastic showcased how their platform helps unify IT and OT telemetry for real-time detection, visibility, and compliance reporting. MAD Security integrates Elastic into its SOC-as-a-Service, enabling:

	Unified log collection and normalization
	Threat detection using machine learning
	AI-powered alert correlation and summarization
	Assessment-ready reporting mapped to Coast Guard criteria

“AI should enhance human analysts, not replace them. Elastic does the heavy lifting so your team can focus on response.”

– Kyle Rozanitis, Elastic

Q&A Highlights

What if we don’t have an internal CySO?

The Coast Guard requires each facility to designate a Cybersecurity Officer (CySO), but this person does not need to be an in-house employee. Many organizations use a qualified third-party or virtual CISO (vCISO). What matters is that your CySO has relevant cyber and maritime experience. Assigning this to someone unqualified, like an FSO without technical background, could lead to compliance issues during inspections.

Can AI-generated reporting be trusted for Coast Guard compliance?

AI can streamline reporting, alert correlation, and incident summaries, but it must be used carefully. Its output should be traceable to source data and reviewed by qualified analysts. When properly implemented, AI can help meet Coast Guard expectations for evidence and reporting, but human oversight remains essential.

How do we train personnel without computer access?

Even workers without computer access, such as dock crews or crane operators, must receive role-appropriate training if they interact with OT systems. This can be done through printed guides, safety briefings, or access restrictions. The key is to prove that everyone with access understands basic cybersecurity hygiene and reporting procedures.

Does broadband at sea increase cybersecurity risk?

Yes. Improved connectivity at sea removes previous technical barriers and allows threat actors to target vessels more easily. This makes it critical to apply the same level of cybersecurity offshore as you would shoreside, including segmentation, monitoring, and incident response planning. MAD Security’s Maritime SOC is engineered to provide the best security posture without compromising availability of the network for other shipboard functions.

Why MAD Security Is the Right Maritime Cyber Partner

Blue and White Modern Securing Digital Infrastructure Presentation(1)-2 MAD Security has a purpose-built Maritime Security Operations Center and decades of experience at the forefront of Maritime Cybersecurity. MAD Security is also a CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP with a perfect SPRS score of 110 and over 15 years of defense-grade cybersecurity experience.

Our maritime-specific value includes:

	Specific Maritime SOC capability, including solutions customized for vessels and ports
	Ranked Top 250 MSSPs globally for 5 consecutive years
	>85% of clients are defense, federal contractors or maritime
	U.S.-based 24/7 SOC in Huntsville, AL
	Deep expertise in the Coast Guard Final Rule, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CISA CPG’s, and NIST 800-171
	Seamless Elastic integration for real-time detection and compliance reporting
	Full-spectrum services: SOCaaS, GRC, MDR, Pen Testing, vCISO, and more

Why You Need to Act Now

The Coast Guard Final Rule is active. Enforcement has begun.

Delaying action increases risk of:

	Failed assessments or Coast Guard inspections
	Lost contracts with DOD prime contractors
	Business disruption or OT compromise
	Fines, remediation costs, and reputational damage

Starting early provides:

	Time to scope and segment OT assets, saving time and money in the long run
	Strategic alignment with defense requirements
	Cost control and reduced operational strain
	A defensible cybersecurity story for regulators and clients

Your Next Steps for Maritime Cybersecurity Compliance and Defense

Now is the time to strengthen your maritime cybersecurity posture.

MAD Security and Elastic deliver the integrated visibility, operational insight, and expert support maritime operators need to meet the Coast Guard’s cybersecurity rule and defend critical OT environments with confidence.

Schedule a consultation today to start building a resilient, compliant, and defensible maritime cybersecurity program.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Face Maritime Cyber Alone

Blue and White Modern Securing Digital Infrastructure Presentation(2)-2 The Coast Guard’s rule has raised the bar. You don’t have to navigate it alone. MAD Security, CISO LLC, and Elastic provide the experience, platforms, and people to support your mission. Cybersecurity is a journey. In the maritime world, the risks are real. Take the first step today with a partner who understands your environment, your regulations, and your challenges.

Let’s secure your future and your next assessment. Talk to MAD Security.

Original Publish Date: January 06, 2026

By: MAD Security