JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Although information technology enables the Air Force District of Washington to perform its mission with the highest degree of efficiency, it can come at a cost, according to leaders within the 844th Communications Group.
"Our SIPRNet and NIPRNet make a tempting target," said Chuck Elmore, 844th Communications Group deputy commander. "We have several thousand computers and electronic devices, ranging from blackberries to servers. Each is under threat. That is why policy for using and handling these devices should be rigorously followed."
At the recent Aerospace and Defense Conference held Dec. 2 in New York City, it was revealed that more than 100 foreign intelligence organizations are trying to hack in to U.S. systems. Foreign governments are developing offensive cyber capabilities, and some already have the capacity to disrupt elements of U.S. information.
Organized criminal groups and hackers are trying to get in on the act as well. They're building global networks of compromised computers and renting them to the highest bidders, in essence becoming 21st century cyber mercenaries.
"Our computer networks are under threat each and every day," Mr. Elmore said. "DoD networks are probed thousands of times a week. They are scanned millions of times a day, and the frequency and sophistication of these attempts and these intrusions are increasing exponentially. In addition, a risk introduced from a single computer or user puts the entire network at risk."
Because of its importance and the threats against it, the department now formally recognizes cyberspace for what it is: a domain similar to land, sea, air and space. Everyone utilizing information technology is on the front lines of this new domain and must exercise caution, even when performing basic tasks like checking email or writing documents.
And just like those other domains, it needs protection.
The department is working on culture, capabilities, and command to meet threats in cyberspace.
Many AFDW employees are not formally certified in information assurance. An expansion of training and certification programs will help to build a "truly world-class cyber workforce for AFDW," said Lt. Col. Matthew Kilgore of AFDW A6.
Also, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates approved the creation of the Cyber Command as a sub-component of the Strategic Command. It will lead day-to-day defense and protection of all defense networks.
Cybercom is not the militarization of cyberspace. It will be responsible for the DoD's networks; the dot-mil world.
The effort to meet cyber threats fall into the "three C's" - culture, capability and command.
"AFDW Airmen should remember that the culture concerning cyber security is changing," said Mr. Elmore. "The defense of our networks starts with each individual user, and when combined with robust capabilities, we have the means to defend it."