Virginia-based technology firm IronNet has secured a contract to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

The agreement supports US Department of Defense efforts to detect and counter cyber threats across its Industrial Base (DIB).

Under the contract, IronNet will deliver its machine learning and AI-enabled Collective Defense Platform, previously trialed by NAVSEA on a pilot program.

Once employed, the platform will provide contractors under NAVSEA DIB with improved awareness of potential threats and bolster the IronNet-developed private network’s real-time connection across the command.

IronNet Collective Defense Platform

According to IronNet, the pilot program revealed that small and medium businesses under the DIB are soft targets and most vulnerable to adversaries.

The Collective Defense Platform serves as a solution to the case, allowing DIB organizations to “no longer protect their networks in isolation.” It will act as an early warning system integrating automated triage, correlated detection, and extended hunt support.

DIB partners that incur similar cyber attacks in the future can utilize the platform to pool cybersecurity resources and expertise.

Marines with Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command at the cyber operations center at Lasswell Hall aboard Fort Meade, Maryland, 2020.
Marines with Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command at the cyber operations center at Lasswell Hall aboard Fort Meade, Maryland, 2020. Photo: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jacob Osborne

The platform’s recent upgrades offer reduced alert loads and false positives, efficient analysis, and shortened investigation timelines.

Growing US Military Cybersecurity Support

IronNet said the approach would improve the navy’s response to the 263 percent increase in cybersecurity vulnerabilities since 2016 shown in the 2022 National Defense Industrial Association Vital Signs report.

“This partnership comes at a critical moment when global cyber threats are at an all-time high,” IronNet Founder and CEO Keith Alexander stated.

“The IronNet Collective Defense Platform gives the Navy a best-in-class solution, enabling threat intelligence gained in one environment to be crowdsourced anonymously and at network speed among other organizations — especially smaller ones with fewer resources for identifying and assessing threats quickly.”

“This initial contract, which has an annual recurring revenue value of $1.2 million to IronNet, includes 17 DIB customers and should help us to establish a base with a branch of the US military upon which we are working to expand.”