On March 21st, 2012, Michael Cooney reported for NetworkWorld on the DOD's use of funds for cybersecurity.  In the context of Congressional hearings, DOD execs explained that out of a $37 billion overall budget for IT investments, the DOD would use $3.4 billion for cybersecurity.  Of that, Cyber Command would get $182 million.

The article noted that the DOD wants to consolidate its networks into a "single, joint network architecture" so that CyberComm can better see incoming cyberattacks.  DOD networks are currently split up into many enclaves, making it difficult for CyberComm to see incoming attacks.  In this sense, its easier for hackers to break into a specific enclave undetected.  By consolidating enclaves into one network (probably by moving to cloud computing), CyberComm would limit the number of places for attack and "enhance[] situational awareness of the network."  Then again, by consolidating networks, you'd make a "honeypot" for hackers: get past the defenses, and you have virtually everything stored in the same place.

The NetworkWorld article went on to quote Gen. Keith Alexander (NSA/CyberComm):

"Nation-state actors in cyberspace are riding a tide of criminality.  Several nations have turned their resources and power against us . . . we're making progress, but the risks that face our country are growing faster than our progress and we have to work hard on that."  

You can find the NetworkWorld source article here.

On March 21st, 2012, Michael Cooney reported for NetworkWorld on the DOD's use of funds for cybersecurity.  In the context of Congressional hearings, DOD execs explained that out of a $37 billion overall budget for IT investments, the DOD would use $3.4 billion for cybersecurity.  Of that, Cyber Command would get $182 million.

The article noted that the DOD wants to consolidate its networks into a "single, joint network architecture" so that CyberComm can better see incoming cyberattacks.  DOD networks are currently split up into many enclaves, making it difficult for CyberComm to see incoming attacks.  In this sense, its easier for hackers to break into a specific enclave undetected.  By consolidating enclaves into one network (probably by moving to cloud computing), CyberComm would limit the number of places for attack and "enhance[] situational awareness of the network."  Then again, by consolidating networks, you'd make a "honeypot" for hackers: get past the defenses, and you have virtually everything stored in the same place.

The NetworkWorld article went on to quote Gen. Keith Alexander (NSA/CyberComm):

"Nation-state actors in cyberspace are riding a tide of criminality.  Several nations have turned their resources and power against us . . . we're making progress, but the risks that face our country are growing faster than our progress and we have to work hard on that."  

You can find the NetworkWorld source article here.