Navy Region Hawaii marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month with focus on digital readiness
For those managing networks at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, success is often invisible: when protections are working as intended, the effort can go largely unnoticed.
“To me, digital security means protecting networks, data, and systems that support operations in the Pacific and ensuring we maintain readiness against threats,” said Warren Domingo, information systems security officer at Navy Region Hawaii. "The work is largely silent. Systems remain reliable, data stays protected, and the fleet can focus on the mission without disruption or unseen loss."
Those protections on shore have direct consequences at sea. Shore-based systems support logistics, maintenance, intelligence and communications that Sailors rely on during operations, Domingo said. A compromise shoreside can delay parts and supplies, disrupt orders and expose sensitive information that could affect fleet readiness. “By preventing those risks ashore, we give the fleet the reliable support it needs to stay ready and focused on the mission,” he explained.
Maintaining that level of security requires constant attention, especially in Hawaii, where ships and personnel routinely rotate through the region. Tracking access, accountability and system ownership in a high-turnover environment can make it harder to maintain consistent security practices, Domingo said.
To address those challenges, the Navy uses a security framework known as Zero Trust, which requires continuous verification of users and devices instead of automatically trusting them because they are already connected to the network. Domingo compared the approach to a secure apartment building, where even longtime residents must show identification and use a key each time they access a door, elevator or room.
The same habits that protect Navy networks can also help protect families and local communities. Cybercriminals often exploit disasters and other high-interest events through fake relief efforts, charity scams and fraudulent messages, Domingo said. He encouraged personnel to verify requests through official websites and avoid clicking unexpected links.
Cybersecurity starts with everyday habits, he added. Recognizing phishing emails and using unique passwords and multifactor authentication can help protect personal devices, financial accounts and sensitive information.
While Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws attention to the need to build a secure digital future, Navy Region Hawaii’s information technology team is encouraging personnel to always remain on alert and treat cyber threats as an ongoing risk.
“Before you click a link, open an attachment, share information, or approve an unexpected multifactor prompt, pause, verify it through a known official channel, and report anything that feels off,” Domingo advised.
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