Name: Michelle Ayaim
Date: 27th June 2025
Organization: NIWC Atlantic

This last week has been a deep dive into two key concepts in the evolving field of naval
cybersecurity. Vulnerability Remediation Asset Management (VRAM) and the Assured
Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS). Understanding these systems as a Navy cyber intern goes beyond simply knowing acronyms; it involves understanding the operational processes that support the Navy’s defensive posture against a constantly changing threat scenario. My recent dealings with ACAS and VRAM have helped shed light on the Navy’s systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and limiting cyber threats, which directly supports national security and mission assurance.

For thorough vulnerability tests and compliance evaluation, ACAS is the Navy’s go-to
enterprise solution. Simply put, ACAS provides an automated, continuous diagnostic capability across DoD networks and IT systems by using advanced technologies such as Tenable’s Security Center, Nessus Vulnerability Scanner, and Passive Vulnerability Scanner. Its role is demands constantly scan the digital environment for vulnerabilities. This includes automatic vulnerability scanning, which looks for obsolete software, major misconfigurations, and missing security updates, all of which are frequent entry points for bad actors.

ACAS not only identifies technical problems, but also painstakingly looks at systems
against severe DoD regulations and Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), making sure that naval assets follow mandated cybersecurity rules. ACAS also plays an important role in asset discovery and inventory. In a complicated network environment like the Navy’s, knowing exactly which devices are connected, their operating systems, and installed applications is important. ACAS gives such important visibility, resulting in a full inventory that allows targeted vulnerability management.

While ACAS thrives on identifying vulnerabilities, VRAM, or Vulnerability Remediation Asset Management, is the key technology that orchestrates and monitors the remediation process throughout the project’s duration. VRAM, developed by Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific), was created to simplify the sometimes time-consuming process of Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) compliance. It transfers raw vulnerability data, usually obtained straight from ACAS, into actionable tasks, so that reported flaws are handled methodically.

VRAM helps in the prioritizing of vulnerabilities. Recognizing that not all faults represent the same amount of danger, it categorizes and classifies vulnerabilities according to their severity, the potential for exploitation, and possible impact on key mission functions. This intelligent prioritizing enables the development of effective repair programs, complete with assigned tasks and precise progress tracking. VRAM is also useful in patch management, as it identifies missing patches on specific systems and provides direct links to authorized solutions. It then rigorously records the successful implementation of these patches, allowing commands to monitor their IAV compliance in real time.

Another insightful week, and I am looking forward to learning more. Thank you.