Quick Cyber Wins: MFA, Passwords and Access Controls

Maritime Infrastructure Is Under Attack: Are You Ready?

Cyberattacks against ports and maritime operators are on the rise as legacy OT systems integrate with modern IT networks. These environments are ripe targets for credential abuse, ransomware, and nation-state adversaries. Yet many operators overlook fast, high-impact changes that significantly improve cybersecurity. At MAD Security, we have helped maritime operators and defense contractors quickly reduce risk by tightening access controls. 

These quick wins include strengthening password practices, enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and eliminating shared or over privileged accounts. Each supports cybersecurity resilience and aligns with the Coast Guard Final Rule, as well as other frameworks that maritime organizations may need to conform to, including CMMC Level 2.

The Coast Guard’s Final Rule states: 

The Cybersecurity Plan must include seven account security measures for owners or operators of a U.S.-flagged vessel, facility, or OCS facility: (1) enabling of automatic account lockout after repeated failed log in attempts on all password protected information technology (IT) systems; (2) changing default passwords (or implementing other compensating security controls if unfeasible) before using any IT or operational technology (OT) systems; (3) maintaining a minimum password strength on all IT and OT systems technically capable of password protection; (4) implementing multifactor authentication on password-protected IT and remotely accessible OT systems; (5) applying the principle of least privilege to administrator or otherwise privileged accounts on both IT and OT systems; (6) maintaining separate user credentials on critical IT and OT systems; and (7) removing or revoking user credentials when a user leaves the organization. 

Why Basic Access Controls Still Matter

Many breaches begin with a single compromised account. Whether through phishing, credential stuffing, or reused passwords, attackers often exploit simple mistakes. Access control is your first line of defense. Without it, no amount of perimeter security can protect your systems. These quick wins deliver measurable improvement, minimal disruption, and are often budget friendly.

MAD Security Insight: Weak password policies and lack of MFA are two of the most common findings during our and government assessments for maritime environments.  

Quick Win #1: Fix Password Practices Today

MAD Security frequently encounters default or reused passwords in maritime environments, such as "admin123"
on OT interfaces or shared logins for port control systems. These poor practices are among the easiest to fix and have the biggest security payoff. 

To improve: 

Compliance Tip: Documented password policies and evidence of enforcement support compliance with the Coast Guard Final Rule, as well as NIST 800-171 controls 3.1.1 and 3.5.7.

Quick Win #2: Implement MFA Across Key Systems

MFA prevents unauthorized access even when credentials are stolen. While many OT systems do not support MFA directly, it can still be deployed in ways that protect critical access paths. 

1. Start by enforcing MFA on:

2. For systems without native MFA: 

Compliance Tip: MFA implementation aligns with the Coast Guard Final Rule on Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System, as well as CMMC practices IA.3.083 and AC.2.016. Supporting evidence includes policy documentation, configuration reports, and access logs. 

Quick Win #3: Eliminate Shared and Overprivileged Access

Shared accounts are common in maritime operations, but they pose major significant security and compliance risks. Without individual logins, it is impossible to trace activity or revoke access when employees leave. 

To address this:

	Replace shared accounts with individual logins
	Implement role-based access controls (RBAC)
	Use access logs to track privileged user actions
	Regularly audit and remove overprivileged accounts

How These Wins Support Maritime

In addition to meeting the Final Rule’s guidance on cybersecurity, these wins support compliance with NIST 800-171 and accepted best practices. Addressing the fundamentals first builds a strong foundation for your compliance journey. 

Auditors and assessors will expect: 

Why MAD Security Is the Right Partner for Maritime Cybersecurity

As a Thought Leader and frequent contributor to the Maritime Community on cybersecurity, as well as a CMMC Registered Provider Organization, MAD Security personnel have decades of experience working with ports, defense contractors, and maritime operators to implement access control solutions aligned with federal cybersecurity standards. 

We help clients: 

Final Thoughts: Simple Changes, Big Impact

Cybersecurity progress does not always require a massive investment. These three quick wins: strong passwords, MFA, and access control, can significantly reduce your attack surface and improve audit readiness. These are the changes you can make this month. MAD Security is here to help you do it right. 

Take the Next Step Toward Access Control Readiness

Not sure where to begin?

MAD Security offers access control assessments tailored to maritime and defense environments. 

Schedule a Rapid Access Control Gap Review to: 

Let’s secure your systems without disrupting your mission. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Original Publish Date: November 18, 2025

By: MAD Security