[Itpolicy-np] What U.S. Cyber Command Must Do

[Bipin Gautam]

(Source : http://www.ndu.edu/press/what-US-cyber-command-must-do.html )

PDF: http://www.ndu.edu/press/lib/images/jfq-59/JFQ59_115-120_Andrues.pdf


What U.S. Cyber Command Must Do
By Wesley R. Andrues

Wesley R. Andrues is the Plans and Readiness Division Chief for the
U.S. Army Global Network Operations Center.

In June 2009, the Secretary of Defense announced the creation of U.S.
Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), a new subunified command to be led by the
director of the National Security Agency (NSA). While the press
colored the announcement with Big Brother undertones and hints of
civil liberties surrendered, the real story lies in the intriguing
legal landscape of USCYBERCOM and what it could mean for the security,
efficiency, and economy of the military's networks. The Department of
Defense (DOD), the largest single consumer of Federal information
technology dollars, has struggled for decades to bring a singular
voice and management process to its communications infrastructure.
Although this is not the stated intent of the new command, USCYBERCOM
must ultimately reconcile its role in information technology
"ownership" and draw clear operational boundaries if it is to
administer cyber security through unified standards and procedures.

As USCYBERCOM now has its first commander and begins shaping its core
functions, fundamental changes in the legal landscape must occur in
parallel with the new organizational structure if the command hopes to
effect a "comprehensive approach to Cyberspace Operations."1 In short,
it must go beyond cosmetic organizational change and set to work on a
campaign that genuinely reduces interdepartmental friction, repairs
ailing processes, and truly empowers it to meet its mission, both
specified and implied.

...
Step One: Establish Priorities
Step Two: Come to Consensus
Step Three: Resolve Classic Tensions
Step Four: Define Cyber Forces
Step Five: New Rules of Engagement
Step Six: Avoid Escalation of Hostilities
But Can It?

(CONTD)...