CROCS Turns OT Cyber Policy Into Action

Why It Matters

Securing operational technology safeguards mission‑critical infrastructure, preventing cyber‑driven outages that could cripple base readiness and national security.

Key Takeaways

• CROCS monitors progress on a 100‑point OT cyber plan.
• Over 100 operational‑technology experts meet monthly for coordination.
• Energy‑resilience drills simulate power loss and cyberattack scenarios.
• Focus on protecting electricity, water, HVAC for mission continuity.
• Office bridges policy gap between Pentagon directives and field implementation.

Pulse Analysis

The rapid digitization of military infrastructure has exposed operational technology—systems that manage power, water, heating and ventilation—to the same cyber threats that plague traditional IT networks. Recognizing this, the Department of the Air Force issued a series of Pentagon‑wide directives last year aimed at hardening OT against sophisticated adversaries. However, without a dedicated entity to translate policy into practice, gaps persisted, leaving bases vulnerable to attacks that could shut down essential services. CROCS was created to fill that void, acting as the operational bridge between high‑level strategy and on‑the‑ground execution.

Since its inception, CROCS has rolled out a comprehensive 100‑point cyber plan that maps every critical control system to specific mitigation steps. The office tracks each initiative’s status and convenes more than a hundred OT specialists each month, fostering cross‑functional collaboration among mission assurance, intelligence, operations and logistics teams. A cornerstone of its program is the energy‑resilience exercise, where installations deliberately disconnect from commercial power and inject simulated cyber‑induced faults into HVAC and water‑treatment systems. These rehearsals test both technical safeguards and the decision‑making processes required to sustain mission continuity under duress.

The proactive stance taken by CROCS signals a broader shift in defense procurement toward resilient, cyber‑ready infrastructure. By institutionalizing regular training and measurable progress metrics, the Air Force reduces the likelihood of costly downtime that could impair readiness or compromise national security. Industry partners are watching closely, as the standards and best practices emerging from CROCS may become benchmarks for civilian critical‑infrastructure sectors. Continued investment in OT cyber hygiene will be essential as adversaries increasingly weaponize the very systems that keep bases operational.